The 2011 local government elections were not a contest between race groups, DA leader Helen Zille said in Kliptown on Saturday.
“For too long now, we have used elections as a way of expressing racial identity and racial solidarity,” she told supporters at the party’s election campaign launch in Gauteng.
“This time, we must take the next step. We must make the issues the issue and the key issue … is achieving excellent service delivery for all.”
Zille said the elections should be used to break down barriers between South Africans.
She said the DA’s vision supported an open opportunity society for all.
Poverty alleviation the goal
The greatest obstacle was poverty and this was the party’s number one priority, she said.
Zille came through the crowd from the back of the hall at Walter Sisulu Square, greeting supporters as she made her way to the stage.
People cheered as loud music filled the hall and the party welcomed its leader.
She said a crucial question South Africans needed to ask was “which party delivers best for all?”
Western Cape minister of Social Development Ivan Meyer told the crowd the DA was going to change the landscape of local government forever.
“People are hungry for change,” he said.
“The only hope is to vote for DA.”
He said many African National Congress leaders such as Trevor Manuel and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had admitted the ruling party had failed its people in many areas.
DA national spokesperson Lindiwe Mazibuko said the party believed in an open opportunity society.
She said that under the DA, tax money would not be used for expensive cars, five-star hotels and expensive meals at fancy restaurants.
“We are establishing ourselves as a party of government.” – Sapa