DA Welcomes New Members in Newlands West
Event Overview
On Saturday, newly elected DA provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema and eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen handed out party T‑shirts to newcomers at Ward 11 in Newlands West, north of Durban. The gathering took place under the ward of DA councillor Allan Petersen and attracted residents who said they were leaving other parties for the DA.
Why People Are Switching
Many attendees explained that frustration with service delivery in eThekwini pushed them to look for a new political home. They cited long‑standing issues such as unreliable water, electricity shortages, and a lack of safe recreational spaces for children.
Ngema’s Message
Ngema told the newcomers they were now part of “something better.” He questioned why a councillor elected to serve the community would move to a DA ward instead of staying where he was voted in.
“If your councillor relocated to a DA ward, you might as well vote for the DA,” he said, urging the crowd to let their party switch translate into real change at the council level.
Problems Highlighted
Speaking about corruption, Ngema described the current leadership as “rotten,” claiming it prioritises friends over residents. He pointed out specific grievances:
- EPWP abuse: Applicants must show a party membership card, and approval often depends on who chairs the local party.
- Ghost workers: Names on the Expanded Public Works Programme list include people who never show up for work.
- Tender ownership: He noted that tender owners in eThekwini are widely known, suggesting a lack of transparency.
Residents also shared personal stories: a stalled disaster project with no updates, children playing in traffic circles because there is no park, and repeated trips to the municipality that ended without help.
T‑Shirt Symbolism
The DA handed out its branded shirts to people who were previously wearing uMkhonto weSizwe, ANC, IFP, or EFF shirts. As the new shirts went on, the crowd chanted “viva DA, viva” and “down with the liars,” signaling a visible shift in allegiance.
Looking Ahead to 2026 Elections
The party announced that on Monday it will launch its first 2026 election campaign poster ahead of the Voter Registration weekend.
Poster‑Flying Campaign
Led by Ngema and uMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas, the event will fly the DA’s slogan and call to action, aiming to capture public attention.
Importance of Voter Registration
The DA reminded voters that in the November 2026 Local Government Elections, only those who are registered can cast a ballot. Correct registration, they stressed, is essential for making sure every voice counts.
Call to Action
Ngema encouraged the new members to help get friends and family registered, attend community meetings, and keep pressure on officials to deliver water, housing, jobs, and safe play areas for kids.
Final Thoughts
The Saturday event in Newlands West showed how service delivery frustrations can drive people to reconsider their political loyalties. By handing out T‑shirts, highlighting corruption, and pushing for voter registration, the DA hopes to turn dissatisfaction into concrete electoral change in eThekwini. If the newcomers follow through on their promises, the upcoming 2026 elections could see a fresh direction for the city’s governance.
