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Maimane lands in Friendly City

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Port Elizabeth – As delegates landed in Port Elizabeth on Friday morning for the DA federal congress they were greeted by banners of Mmusi Maimane.

A table with pamphlets, stickers, badges and posters calling for Maimane to be elected as the Democratic Alliance’s leader was placed at the PE airport’s baggage claim and was manned by a team of Maimane “believers”.

This was in reference to the campaign paraphernalia which exclaimed “Believe in tomorrow” and bore a picture of Maimane looking into the distance.

Democratic Alliance MP Andrew Whitfield was helping to lead the Maimane charge at the airport.

“We are part of his campaign here in PE to welcome his supporters and delegates and make sure they get his stickers and badges, so they can brand themselves [as his supporters]”, he said.

“Also, if there are undecided delegates, it helps us to engage with them to give them the information that they need.”

He said they would also help the delegates to find their way in the friendly city.

“This is the friendly city after all. We want to be the first people they see when they land.”

‘We need a young vibrant leader’

As a tiny bird walked past him inside the airport Whitfield joked: “See, everyone is supporting Mmusi.”

The party’s Johannesburg caucus leader Vasco da Gama, who had just landed at the airport sported two Maimane badges on his jacket.

“We need a young vibrant leader who will resonate with all South Africans, especially black South Africans,” he said.

“I hope the DA will take over more municipalities in 2016, and in places where we don’t lead we will be a viable opposition to the ANC.

“When they make the slightest mistake, we will then be able to take over.”

He said the recent mudslinging between Maimane and his opposition candidate for leader Wilmot James was unfortunate.

“I think James has played into the enemies’ hands.”

James and Maimane are standing for the position of party leader, which would be decided at the congress on Sunday.

News24

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.