Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba held a media briefing this past Monday to announce his resignation from office. The Democratic Alliance has been experiencing squabbles within the party that have seen, as of late, DA leader Mmusi Maimane considering stepping down as well following Helen Zille’s return as Federal Council Chairperson.
One of the main reasons Mashaba decided to exit from his mayoral position and ultimately the DA is because of the party’s alleged diversion from prioritizing the poor ahead of the privileged.
“The DA no longer represents a party that is able to achieve what I desire most, a movement that can save South Africa, unseat the ANC and deliver One South Africa for all. Without this I am deeply concerned for the future of South African politics”, said Mashaba.
He stated at the beginning of his speech that the main reason he decided to join the DA was because of his desire to improve Johannesburg and make it a better and safer city for all residents.
In the middle of his speech he made an alarming accusation that implies that the DA has little regard for the plight of black. The same plight that made him join the party in order to improve the situation.
He further explains, “Some members of the DA caucus in Johannesburg have suggested that we prioritise the needs of suburban residents above providing dignity to those forgotten people who remain without basic services 25 years after the end of Apartheid.”
In closing Mashaba described himself as a patriot who loved his country and would unhesitantly choose his country, over the political party to which he belongs, if need be.
“I am now in a position where I am forced to choose between my party and my country. As a patriot, I will always choose my country first”, he said.
