Former Western Cape human settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela’s comeback bid flopped on Saturday when he suffered a resounding defeat in the DA provincial leadership race.
Madikizela, who quit as MEC and the DA's Western Cape leader in 2021 amid a qualifications scandal, was trounced by his opponent, incumbent Tertuis Simmers. Simmers, who is infrastructure MEC, received 549 votes while Madikizela won 302.
After his re-election, Simmers said he would work towards ensuring an improved majority of more than 60% for the DA in the province next year.
What is more important is our party and our objectives. I have respect for the will of the delegates
— Bonginkosi Madikizela
Simmers was last month accused by political opponents in the DA and the provincial government of abusing the ministerial handbook by claiming a house allowance of just under R10,000 a month when he already owned property in Cape Town.
The ministerial handbook says the benefit falls away once an MEC or MPL acquires a primary residence within a 50km radius of the Cape Town CBD.
Despite his failed leadership bid, Madikizela told the Sunday Times on Saturday that he would remain a member of the DA and was hoping to become an MP after next year's elections.
“What is more important is our party and our objectives. I have respect for the will of the delegates,” said Madikizela.
“Yes, I have applied to become an MP. I forge ahead and continue to work for the party for a decisive victory next year,” Madikizela added.
A top DA provincial leader, who asked not to be named, said that although Madikizela had lost the leadership race, he supported his candidacy for parliament.
“He would do well in the National Assembly given his experience in government. I know he’s applied for parliament, and I hope he stays in the party after this.”
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was elected unopposed as deputy provincial leader of the party. Jaco Londt, a member of the National Council of Provinces, was re-elected unchallenged as provincial chair.
Simmers appeared to say it was a foregone conclusion that the party would support Western Cape premier Alan Winde for a second term if the DA retains the province.
“We will deliver an excellent electoral outcome in May [next year] to ensure we give our premier candidate Alan Winde an even bigger mandate than he got in 2019.”
The blue party’s support dipped from 59% in 2014, when it was led by Helen Zille, to 55% in the national election in 2019.
“How do we get to the 60% margin? This is what we are focusing on now,” said Simmers.
“Our current tracking shows that, if we keep on doing what we’re currently doing, we might well surpass that next threshold for the party, which is 60%, and this is our mission.
“That is what we’re focused on. That’s what all 460 branches are focused [on]. It’s a lot of hard work, but I believe we can do it.”
Addressing the provincial congress, DA national leader John Steenhuisen urged supporters to prevent “greedy little parties” such as the Patriotic Alliance from taking over the Western Cape.
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