
John Steenhuisen retains DA leadership beating Mpho Phalatse to the throne of the opposition party in the 2024 elections.
Steenhuisen was over the weekend re-elected party leader, in Johannesburg, winning him a second term as Democratic Alliance leader.
“I want to thank every DA delegate, public representative, activist, member and supporter who has placed such overwhelming trust in me to serve as Federal Leader for a second term.
It’s now time to save our beautiful country.”
Steenhuisen on retaining DA leadership
I want to thank every DA delegate, public representative, activist, member and supporter who has placed such overwhelming trust in me to serve as Federal Leader for a second term.
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) April 2, 2023
It’s now time to save our beautiful country! 🇿🇦#DAcongress2023 pic.twitter.com/iCFY97J2h2
The votes in Steenhuisen’s favour came despite Mpha Phalatse’s educational qualifications holding more weight over the DA leader’s matric certificate.
Steenhuisen who has been the leader of the opposition since October 2019, matriculated from Northwood School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The 47-year old father of three does not have a higher education degree, but he holds many years of public service experience.
In 1999 Steenhuisen was an eThekwini councillor and his career with the DA began.
He then went on to hold various titles within the party including:
- 2006 DA caucus leader in eThekwini
- 2009 MPL KZN legislative & DA KZN leader
- 2011 Member of Parliament
- 2014 DA Chief Whip
- 2019 Interim Federal Leader
- 2020 Elected DA Federal Leader
Mpho Phalatse meanwhile holds a medical degree and several diplomas including:
- Master of Medicine Public Health
- Advanced Diploma in Project Management
- Post-graduate Diploma in Programme Management
- 2005 Medical Doctor
- 2016 Da Joburg Councillor
- Joburg Health and Social Development MMC
- City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor
Despite her loss, Phalatse said she is not leaving the DA, “I’m disappointed, obviously, I raised my hand for a reason. I believed that the Democratic Alliance had a real opportunity here ahead of 2024 given the ANC’s imminent collapse.
I do believe that we could have missed the opportunity, however, I will stand behind John and continue to fight from within for diversity and to be the voice for South Africans.”
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