JOHANNESBURG - The DA is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a nationwide blanket donation drive aimed at keeping vulnerable communities warm during the harsh winter months.
The party was formed in 2000 through a merger of the Democratic Party, the New National Party, and the Federal Alliance.
Since then, it has positioned itself as a liberal alternative to the ANC, advocating for clean governance, constitutionalism, and efficient service delivery.
A major turning point came in the 2006 local government elections, when the DA won control of the City of Cape Town.
This victory marked the beginning of its growing dominance in the Western Cape, which the party has governed since 2009.
As the party looks to expand its influence into Gauteng, DA federal chairperson Helen Zille says she would not run Johannesburg as “some Archbishop Tutu unit project”. Rather, as mayor, she would ensure that all residents receive proper services and that governance is responsive and effective.
“I’m going to try to make sure there is no more corruption and that the money is used for what it is intended,” Zille said.
She promises a sober approach to governance, saying she will not “bring heaven and earth” or to be like the late former president Nelson Mandela.
Dismissing claims by ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba that she makes for a “most toxic” colleague, Zille instead emphasised her focus on stabilising Johannesburg’s finances and ensuring clean, accountable governance.