With the announcement of resignations by Democratic Alliance leaders last week, community members expressed concern for Joburg’s future.
Mmusi Maimane announced his resignation as party leader from the DA headquarters in Bruma on Wednesday.
At the same conference, DA federal chairperson Athol Trollip also stepped down.
Their resignations on October 23 came days after Herman Mashaba announced his resignation as mayor on October 21.
DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi met with the EXPRESS after Maimane’s announcement to discuss the way forward for the party.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of the mayor, but Mashaba has mentioned there are projects he personally feels attached to,” said Malatsi.
“With his mayorship ending on November 27, Mashaba will continue to watch over projects started before his resignation was announced.
“With Maimane’s resignation, the party will engage with Mashaba about how to best manage the transition period.”
When asked if the party had named a candidate for the position of mayor, Malatsi said it was “far too early to talk about the profile of a potential successor”.
“The decision about who ultimately replaces Mashaba is not a decision for the DA to make alone.”
He said the party will need to engage with its coalition partners.
Once a candidate is identified it will be communicated to the residents and ward councillors of Johannesburg.
Looking to the municipal elections Malatsi said strategies and campaigning will be discussed at an early congress.
The congress is expected to be held at the start of next year.
CTA – Watch the interview with Solly Malatsi.
