The Democratic Alliances (DA) says the public should not base its support for the new DA leader Musi Maimane on his race but on the issues the party will tackle under his leadership. Maimane made history this weekend as the first black leader to be elected as head of the opposition party at the DA’s two day federal congress in PE. Maimane is in the process of implementing structures that will assist in build a thriving economy that he will be addressing with the new Value Charter, spokesperson Mabine Seabe said on Monday.

“His race is not the focal point of the leadership victory. The fact that he is black should not be considered as the focus of his leadership. He is in the process of dealing with various structures around the country to assist in battling unemployment, inequality and other socio-economic ills,” says Seabe.

The Charter has been launched in all provinces around South Africa. Policies implemented by the party have to adhere to the values set out in the Value Charter.

“Maimane will address these issues with the implementation of the new vision of the Value Charter. The Charter aims to make South Africans in control of their own destinies,” says Seabe.

It will be used to assist the party in addressing any socio-economic issues plaguing any particular area where they govern.

“The new Value Charter will be implemented to fight the challenges of unemployment and inequality through developing the economy into a thriving one,” says Seabe.

The party believes it can mainly be achieved through developing the economy into one that enforces job creation vigorously.
“We have to ensure we build an economy that ensures jobs for all South Africans particularly the youth,” says Seabe.

To make sure that the youth obtain the necessary employment the party will be ensuring that all has access to education.

“Unemployment is currently at 35% where 66% is made up of the youth. We work closely and liaise with various provincial structures to ensure that policies are implemented to ensure job creation. We believe this can be done through providing youth with quality education to assist them in obtaining the necessary employment,” says Seabe.

The party strives to be a strong opponent for its opposition party The African National Congress (ANC).

“We are only in power of the Western Cape so we have to make sure our policies are in line with the opposition party but make sure that the DA is an alternative that offers jobs and clean governance,” says Seabe.

It believes that by tackling these issues it will be securing voters support for the 2016 elections.

“These matters and the manner we have attempted to deal with them will be crucial for the up and coming 2016 especially because we are eyeing areas like Nelson Mandela Bay and Johannesburg which we believe are up for grabs,” says Seabe. VOC