Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon welcomed former New National Party (NNP) leader in the Free State Inus Aucamp into the party during a local government election rally in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Leon told about 800 supporters at the Oranje Girls High School his party is grateful and glad to have Aucamp in its ranks.
”After much soul searching, he has decided to join the DA and support our efforts to build a real alternative to the ANC [African National Congress] in South Africa.”
Accepting his membership card, Aucamp said he is proud to be a member of the DA. ”I feel at home,” he said.
Aucamp said he can identify with the principles and values for which the DA stands. He also called on former NNP and National Party members and their supporters to join the DA. ”It’s time to stand up and be counted; it’s time to move on.”
Aucamp said for the time being he is just a normal DA member. However, he will be available if his new party wants to use him. ”If the situation lends itself to that end and the DA can use me,
I would be available,” he said.
Aucamp was the last leader of the NNP in the province and in 2004 called for the party to disband.
National NNP leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk at that time joined the ANC.
The National Party had been founded in Bloemfontein in 1914.
Turning to the ANC-led Mangaung local council, Leon said the ruling party’s misgovernance of Bloemfontein is nothing to be proud of. ”The Mangaung municipality has become a disgrace to the nation.” — Sapa