The DA announced on Monday that it has picked Chris Pappas as the party’s premier candidate for KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the general elections in 2024.
This as the party aims to challenge the status quo and address long-standing concerns of mismanagement and corruption in the province.
According to DA leader John Steenhuisen, the decision to nominate Pappas underscores the party’s determination to challenge the ANC and address the issues that have plagued KwaZulu-Natal for many years.
Boasting about the party’s undisputed growth, Steenhuisen highlighted its success in the Western Cape, where effective governance has attracted residents from KwaZulu-Natal.
He stated: “People from KwaZulu-Natal are flocking in their numbers to the Western Cape because the province is well-governed,” said Steenhuisen.
Pappas, who previously served as the mayor of Umngeni local municipality, emerged as a key figure in the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal chapter.
His election as mayor marked a significant milestone, making him the sole DA mayor in the region.
Prior to his mayoral tenure, Pappas was the DA’s provincial deputy leader, which he gave up upon assuming the mayoral role.
He has also been a member of the eThekwini city council and has served as a member of the provincial legislature, further deepening his understanding of the intricacies of governance in the province.
Speaking outside the Durban City Hall on Monday, Pappas said: “I commit to playing my part to bring about change in this province and in our country.
“I am choosing to be courageous. Let us unite behind the Democratic Alliance and rescue KwaZulu-Natal.
“Now, more than ever, it’s time to be fearless and to take up our responsibility to create a new future.”
As the 2024 general elections draw closer, the stage is set for a closely watched political battle in the province, with Pappas at the forefront of the DA’s efforts to bring about a new era of governance.
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