New DA KZN Leader Vows to Rebrand Party, Target ANC and MKP Support

In a significant development for KwaZulu-Natal politics, Sithembiso Ngema has been elected the new leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA). Speaking with the *Mail & Guardian*, Ngema expressed an ambitious vision to rebrand the party and broaden its appeal, aiming to capture disillusioned voters from rivals like the ANC and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP). His election marks a new chapter for the DA in the province, signaling a determined effort to expand its footprint.

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I can promise you that the DA will grow in leaps and bounds. We will campaign in all the corners of this province. The DA must be a party of choice among voters. We will even take our election machinery to Nkandla, the backyard of the former president,” said an elated Ngema after winning the fiercely contested elections.

Ngema's strategy is clear: a grassroots-focused campaign that will reach every corner of KZN, including the symbolic Nkandla, the home turf of former President Jacob Zuma. He emphasized the need to move beyond social media and engage directly with communities, knocking on doors to present the DA as a viable alternative. This commitment to direct engagement underscores a desire to connect with voters on a personal level and build trust. The DA's goal is not just to be a party of opposition but a party of choice, capable of governing and implementing its distinct policies.

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I inherit a much stronger DA. A strong and united DA is ready to work hard to be the dominant party in municipalities across KZN and we’re ready to bring the DA difference to every town and city in the province. We must be an alternative to the voters. We must knock on people’s doors and not rely on social media,” he stated.

Geordin Hill-Lewis, the DA's national leader, echoed this sentiment, articulating the party's aspiration to become the "governing alternative" in KZN. He highlighted the importance of navigating complex coalition politics while maintaining the DA's core principles. The party's recent success in securing cabinet posts within the Government of Provincial Unity, following the snatching of the uMngeni local municipality, provides a foundation for this ambition. With the upcoming municipal elections, particularly the battle for the eThekwini metro, the DA sees a fertile ground to challenge the established order and assert its influence in KwaZulu-Natal's political future.

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To every delegate, activist, councillor, friend, and supporter who stood with me throughout this journey. While we did not achieve the result we hoped for, I remain deeply grateful for your trust, encouragement, and belief in our shared vision for the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.”