The DA has chosen National Spokesperson Mmusi Maimane as its premier candidate for the Gauteng province. – image – ysa2012.mg.co.za

While the ruling party seems divided over who to elect as the Gauteng premier candidate, the Democratic Alliance chose its candidate with little fuss. The DA National Spokesperson Mmusi Maimane will be the premier of Gauteng should the party get the majority vote in the most commercially vibrant province in the country.

Maimane grew up in Dobsonville, Soweto. He is familiar with the priorities of the people in Gauteng. Shortly after he was nominated, Maimane said: “What I want to do in Gauteng is simple: I want to stop corruption, stop e-tolls and create many more jobs. If we do that, we will start to make life better for the people of Gauteng.”

The Mail and Guardian shared Maimane’s biography. He speaks several languages and has a degree in Psychology. He earned two masters degrees; one in Theology and the other in Public and Development Management. He was chosen over Vaughan Reineke, who is not well-known, and Jack Bloom, the DA Gauteng leader.

The DA conducted its own research into the state of politics in Gauteng. The study found that the ANC is losing its grip on the province. The results of the study are encouraging to the DA and the party is convinced that taking over Gauteng is a real possibility. The DA believes that Mmusi Maimane is the best possible premier candidate because he has been instrumental in taking the support base for the DA from 20 per cent to 35 per cent in Gauteng.

Political organizations in the country are getting ready for what looks set to be the most closely contested democratic elections in the history of South Africa. Analysts think that the ANC has taken a blow to membership numbers due to the endless scandals which have plagued the party. New political organizations Agang and Economic Freedom Fighters offer voters more options on the ballot. It remains to be seen if the DA will win the province and see its candidate in the premier’s office.