We are in it to win it – says Cachalia

The Democratic Alliance (DA) announced that Ghaleb Cachalia will be the Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate for the 2016 local government elections.

Gauteng Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) John Moodey (right), introduced Ghaleb Cachalia as the DA mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni. The announcement was made at the Germiston council chambers, last Tuesday.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader John Moodey has proudly introduced Ghaleb Cachalia as the DA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate for the 2016 local government elections.

The DA in the metro announced their mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, last Tuesday. Ghaleb Cachalia told the press at the official announcement that he is committed to change and improving the lives of the people of the metro.

The announcement was made in the Germiston council chambers, last Tuesday, to tremendous applause from local DA councillors and supporters.

“The mayoral candidate was selected by an electoral college preceding the announcement,” said Moodey.

Cachalia, who lives in Edenvale, welcomed the challenge that the nomination brings and aims to make a difference in the lives of the people in the metro.

“I grew up in a family forged in the struggle against injustice and I spent many years in exile from the apartheid government,” Cachalia said.

“My grandfathers, Ebrahim Asvat and Ahmed Cachalia, campaigned with Mahatma Gandhi; my father, Yusuf Cachalia, was arrested and tried by the apartheid government for civil disobedience, while my mother, Amina Cachalia, marched alongside women of all races right here in Germiston as part of the Defiance Campaign.”

From his family he learnt strong values of non-racialism and reconciliation, the rule of law and human rights and human dignity which guided him through his life.

“I learnt that the government must work for the people and not the other way around,” Cachalia said.

“Throughout my life, I believed the ANC embodied this, it was where I put my faith for a better life for all South Africans.

“But, sadly, after 22 years of ANC government, we have been betrayed; the party has changed, and the ANC of Jacob Zuma is not the ANC of Nelson Mandela.”

Cachalia has become active in the DA’s campaigns.

“I attended the 10 000-strong march to the Constitutional Court with Mmusi Maimane,” he said.

“It was a momentous moment for me as I stood and listened to Mmusi Maimane speak in defence of our constitution.”

As a businessman, Cachalia feels he brings a new dynamic to the metro, especially when it comes to fund management.

“My vision for Ekurhuleni is that the people who are struggling find opportunity and a hand up in life, those striving to succeed are able to grow and excel and the successful are able to invest and innovate,” he added.

Watch the full speech here: