DA members butt heads over whether to elect a deputy federal leader, again

While most of its constitutional amendments were considered and adopted, the DA conference descended into a mini chaos after delegates were caught between voting for and against the proposed election of a federal deputy leader.

The conference is taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg where delegates indicate a green card when for an adoption and a red one when against.

With the day expected to largely be dedicated to the consideration of constitutional amendments, the nine-member constitutional review committee narrowed down the recommended amendments to 89.

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In the section of the DA’s constitution, proposed amendment number 28 included the Federal Congress elects the Federal leader, the Federal Deputy Leader, Federal Chairpersons and Deputy Federal Chairpersons.

During the voting process of amendments, the plenary was divided in half with some delegates wanting the constitution to be amended and a Federal Deputy leader be included.

For years now the DA did not have a deputy leader and this amendment had always been deliberated but never passed.

However, the outcome of the results revealed 850 delegates voted for a deputy federal leader while 879 voted against having a deputy federal leader.

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No to a deputy federal leader

The DA would continue not having a deputy leader as the proposed amendment failed to pass. Many delegates were not pleased with the results and demanded a recount.

The proposed amendment was brought by DA eThekwini Ward 33 councillor Sakhile Mngadi who said in order to ensure executive continuity, stability and effectiveness, the position of Deputy Leader provided the party with the opportunity to expand access to the executive and ensure roles and workload was shared evenly amongst recognisable personalities.

Mgadi said the DA needed to position itself as a solid front going into 2024 and 2026 and this role would bring positive change in the party’s growth.

Some comments received and outlined included DA member Thavha Maifala Masebe, who said there was no problem with the proposal however the responsibilities of Federal Chairperson must therefore be considered.

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But another DA member Frederick Nortjie Van Huyssteen said this was rejected by a “massive majority” at the last congress when it was proposed by former DA KwaZulu-Natal MP Mbali Ntuli.

“I feel this congress will too vote against this. There is no reason for a deputy federal leader when we have a federal chairperson and three deputy chairpersons. These should be able to lead and do the day to day activities,” he said.

The Constitutional Review Committee had recommended staying neutral. The voting for Constitutional Amendments continues.

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