John Moodey, the newly elected DA leader in Gauteng, is a former unionist and ANC member who joined the Democratic Party in 1998 because he felt coloured people were alienated in the ANC. He spoke the Mail & Guardian‘s Mbuyisi Mgibisa abouthis political principles.
Why, as a black person, did you decide to join the white-dominated Democratic Alliance?
I did not have a political home when I joined the DA. By natural progression, I have always spoken out for the underdog. I realised the importance of having a strong opposition to strengthen our young democracy — because absolute power corrupts completely.
Former senior DA member Themba Sono complained of a DA culture that is hostile to black Africans. Do you feel that black people are culturally alienated in the DA?
I have never felt uncomfortable in any way, or that the party is dominated by a white culture. What I do know is that the party demands of all of us, especially its public representatives, to perform at high standards. If you are not pulling your weight — as in any organisation — you have to be reprimanded.
There’s an allegation that black people get into the DA to get into leadership positions because it would be impossible for them to ascend to higher positions in the ANC. Is that true?
There are people who, in the past, could have used the DA as a political springboard. The DA is a much smaller party compared to the ANC and, of course, if you don’t have a long history and political credentials with the ANC, it would be difficult for any person to ascend to leadership. I’m not a comedian. I stand by my principles and I won’t jump ship.
Do you support the idea that the national DA leader should be black in order to attract black voters?
I believe the national leader of the DA should be a South African and should be chosen on merit.
What are your political principles?
I’m a liberal democratic, and I believe in a free society where everyone can strive to achieve and attain his or her full potential. I believe in the rights of the individual, and a free-market economy. And I think the DA embodies all these principles.
Would Joe Seremane be a good or bad replacement for Tony Leon?
Joe is a sterling person. I have the highest respect for him. He is a man of integrity. And he has the attributes and skills to make a great leader.
Why do you think the majority of coloured people, particularly in the Western Cape, prefer to vote for the DA rather than the ANC?
The coloured people in the Western Cape were very influential in the UDF [United Democratic Front] when the ANC and other political parties were banned. I think the ANC made a big mistake by not fielding Dr [Allan] Boesak as the provincial leader and candidate for the premiership. During the UDF era, we were seen as black and discriminated against, but now we are once more subjected to job reservation because we are not black enough, just like in the apartheid era when we were not white enough.
If the DA elects a black person as national leader don’t you think that a large number of conservative white members will move elsewhere, perhaps to join the Freedom Front Plus?
People who vote for the DA support us because the DA stands for non-racism and an equal, free South African society. It will not damage the DA at all. On the contrary, we can gain a lot of disillusioned voters.
One-third of the DA’s supporters are in Gauteng. Doesn’t this tempt you to enter the succession race in the party?
If I were approached by a large number of DA structures that feel that I have the ability to lead the party nationally, and if I would be able to assess that I have substantial support, I would consider [it]. I was approached to enter the race long before I was elected the leader of Gauteng. But I will not go out there to seek support in order to enter the race.
What is your vision for the Gauteng region?
Consolidate our existing support base, revitalise support of people who have been disenchanted — and therefore became apathetic towards politics — and grow the party by making inroads into our non-traditional support base. My aim is to be elected to govern this province.