DA Announces Mayoral Candidates for Western Cape Municipalities Ahead of Local Elections
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has unveiled its slate of mayoral candidates for the Western Cape, with the notable exception of party leader and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill‑Lewis, who is still completing the party’s internal vetting process. The announcement, made on Tuesday, covers 11 municipalities that are already under DA administration, signalling the party’s aim to maintain continuity while preparing for the upcoming local government elections.
Hill‑Lewis on Screening and the Mayoral Role
Hill‑Lewis explained that he is undergoing the same rigorous screening that all prospective candidates face.
“Congratulations on getting through this trial. It’s a rigorous process – I personally go through the same process too, so I know what you went through. But I know how fair and rigorous the prosecution’s processes are.”
Despite the pending vetting, he expressed enthusiasm for his current role as mayor of Cape Town, describing it as “the best job in South African politics.” He noted that during a recent campaign tour, virtually every concern raised by residents pertained to local‑government issues, reinforcing his belief that municipal leadership is where politics becomes tangible.
“When I went on the campaign trail last week straight after the convention, almost every concern raised was about a local government issue. It’s the heartbeat of politics. That’s why I love being mayor so much: it’s a great job in South African politics because you get to address these concerns directly.”
He urged voters to scrutinise the DA’s provincial package of 11 mayoral candidates, framing the forthcoming election as a choice between moving forward or slipping backwards.
Candidate List and Gender Representation
The DA’s announced cohort includes:
- Star – Jessica Kamkam
- Bergrivier – Mario Wessels
- Cape Agulhas – Raymond Ross
- Drakenstein – Stephen Korabie
- Garden Route district – Marais Kruger
- George – Brown Johnson
- Matzikama – Richard van Huyssteen
- Overstrand – Clinton Lerm
- Swartland – Harold Cleophas
- Stellenbosch – Jeremy Fasser
- Witzenberg – Trevor Abrahams
All of the listed candidates are currently serving in DA‑led administrations, a factor the party cites as ensuring experienced leadership and policy continuity. Notably, the slate is male‑dominated, with only one woman—Jessica Kamkam of Star—among the nominees.
Party Leadership on Local Governance
DA federal leader Solly Msimanga framed the candidate selection as a reflection of the party’s progress and its commitment to transparent politics.
“I have always said that our cities and towns in the area of local government are engines of growth. That is why it is important that we get those engines running, knowing that when provinces fail, they fail – and when provinces fail, South Africa fails, and when that happens, I dare say, Africa fails.”
Msimanga emphasized that the DA’s advance publication of its candidates allows the public to judge individuals and policies before voting, a practice he said distinguishes the party from others that shy away from early scrutiny.
Western Cape DA leader Tertuis Simmers highlighted the personal impact of municipal leadership, noting that everyday experiences—such as reliable water supply, functioning street lights, regular refuse collection, and community safety—are directly shaped by those elected at the local level.
“South Africans know the truth. They understand that when communities fail, communities suffer. We believe that the people deserve cities, and in our case, five districts and 30 municipalities, that must work for all of our people.”
What the DA Promises Voters
Looking ahead, Hill‑Lewis pledged to engage directly with residents across every street, district, and community, stressing that trust must be earned before the “hard work” of delivering on promises begins. He reiterated the DA’s commitment to high ethical standards, asserting that a DA‑led administration should be visibly different from the governments it seeks to replace.
The party’s approach—combining pre‑emptive candidate disclosure, internal vetting, and a focus on service‑delivery basics—aims to provide voters with a clear basis for evaluating the DA’s offer in the forthcoming local elections.
Source: TimesLIVE coverage of the DA’s mayoral candidate announcement, September 2024.
