The Democratic Alliance on Saturday elected John Moodey and Mike Moriarty to lead the party in Gauteng.
Moodey was voted in as provincial leader and Moriarty as the chairperson, the DA said in a statement following its congress in Pretoria.
Moodey and Moriarty were members of the Gauteng legislature.
Moodey had faced off against party MP Ian Ollis for the position and Dot Corrigan against Moriarty.
Read our interview with Moodey ahead of his win.
What qualifies you to lead the DA in Gauteng?
John Moodey: The DA has recognised Gauteng as a strategic province in terms of ultimately governing South Africa. I am an experienced politician and activist. Given my experience as a trade unionist, community leader and civic activists, I have the necessary expertise to take up the challenge of achieving growth in the new target market, creating a new majority party.
Why should DA members put their trust in you?
John Moodey: Step by step, I have risen through the ranks of the DA from branch chairperson to provincial leader. I would not have been approached to avail myself to contest the provincial leadership position, if prominent members did not have trust in my ability.
The DA has traditionally failed to gain any meaningful support among South Africa’s previously disadvantaged — how do you plan to address this issue in Gauteng?
John Moodey: Along with my experience within the DA, I know the target market, and I grew up in the townships. The DA needs to gain the trust and respect of the voters we need to attract; that can only happen if we are on the ground taking up and championing their issues, which is largely ignored by their ANC councillors. We need to show that we care and that we will make a positive difference in their lives. I will also seek out, attract and retain the support of strong leaders in the different communities who can strengthen our cause and brand in their respective communities.
What is your vision for Gauteng over the next decade?
John Moodey: My vision for Gauteng over the next decade is firstly that it is DA-governed and that the levels of service delivery are improved. That Gauteng’s waning competitive edge as the economic heart of South Africa and of sub-Saharan Africa is restored and strengthened. An improved and strengthened economy will address the worrying issues of unemployment and poverty.
How would you approach the furore over the proposed implementation of e-tolling on the province’s highways?
John Moodey: The DA caucus in the Gauteng Legislature of which I am a member has been in the forefront of the campaign against e tolling. We are also the initiators of the legal action planned to stop the implementation thereof.
How do you think Gauteng’s ailing health system can be rescued?
John Moodey: I firstly believe that the Department is poorly led. The executive management at most of the hospitals are not suited for the positions they hold and there is no accountability. Each hospital should be run as an independent business, with its own maintenance units and should be responsible for its own HR and IR functions, thus being able to appoint or dismiss its own staff. Performance contracts should also be entered into with all staff members. There should be on-going monitoring of the adherence to such contracts. Discipline, accountability and professional work ethic must be entrenched. — Sapa and M&G