Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Wilmot James has challenged the party’s Parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimaine to a public debate, as both men vie for the leadership of the party.

“As the DA we need a new direction. At the moment we are not speaking for the poor… We must unite this party, build this party and raise it to win more votes, govern more municipalities and govern the country,” James told delegates at the party’s KwaZulu-Natal congress on Saturday, where voting was underway to elect new provincial leadership.

“I wish to challenge Mmusi Maimane to a national debate on issues about this country. I’m ready.”

On his official Twitter account James said earlier: “I am ready to debate anywhere and at any time and let members, and delegates, and voters decided (sic) who is ready to lead our party.”But what we need is open debate on public platforms, rather than closed debate in candidates meetings”.

Responding to James’ challenge Maimane said: “I will be debating Wilmot on the 4th [of May] on Kyknet. We have already lined up four debates. I have nothing to fear. I’m ready.”

An announcement is expected to be made on the provincial leadership later on Saturday after the votes have been captured. The new leader of the DA will be decided upon at the party’s federal congress on 9 and 10 May in Nelson Mandela Bay. News24