The Democratic Alliance needed a courageous leader who will be able to challenge and engage the African National Congress when it errs, DA Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip said on Sunday.
He said this will create a vigorous, rational and open-debate in a society that sought solutions to problems faced by the country.
”We need this courage to engage the ANC and not be cowed or intimidated by their attacks.”
Trollip has availed himself for election as DA leader when incumbent Tony Leon steps down in May.
”Tony Leon showed tremendous tenacity and courage as leader of the DA. If Tony had not been such a courageous leader, the DA would not be in the position that it is currently — the primary political opposition to the ANC.”
Trollip said the DA leader also had to be compassionate and considerate so as to be able to ”engage with political colleagues across the debating floor”.
”While we must be courageous in protecting our democracy it must be counter-balanced with compassion and consideration so we can still be able to build relationships outside the debating chamber.”
Relationships were vital to ensure a more prosperous and vibrant South Africa, said Trollip.
”I have sought to build opposition consensus to ensure a response that provides viable alternatives to the government.”
Uniting the opposition also helped to better ”hold the ANC to account on service delivery problems”, Trollip said. – Sapa