Although the PWV region of the Democratic Party has put Hougton’s Tony Leon on top of its list of nominees for the national assembly, the party — traditionally the home of white liberals — has put forward a number of blue collar candidates, “even if they’re not exactly in electable positions”.
“These people arc proud to put their name to the DP’s list and you should not underestimate their ability to bring people with them,” said DP spokesman Jack Bloom.
At number 82 on the regional list, last but for three housewives and a teacher, is William Masila, a cleaner from Bedfordview.
Much higher up the list at 24, is Zacheria Ranseli, a South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers’ Union shop steward.
Women represent 50 percent of the top 20 candidates for the regional legislature. Women for Women in Government chair Nina Romm and former Miss South Africa Michelle Bruce are among the women included on the list.
But, with the latest Human Sciences Research Council opinion poll giving the DP about two percent of the national vote, the party’s only representative in the assembly is likely to be Leon.