Maimane not in DA Gauteng leader race

2012-01-28 21:00

Johannesburg - Two Democratic Alliance members have been nominated as the party's Gauteng leader, and national spokesperson Mmusi Maimane is not on the list.

The DA announced on Friday that John Moodey, a member of the Gauteng legislature, and party MP Ian Ollis had been nominated for the position.

The deadline for nominations closed at 16:00 on Friday afternoon, DA Gauteng spokesperson Refiloe Nt'sekhe said in a statement.

Amid reports earlier this week that he was eyeing the post, Maimane said he was still deciding whether to run.

Approached on Friday, Maimane said he had decided to focus more on the party's national campaign.

"I have focused on two things, my role as the national spokesperson is new and important and my role of leading the Joburg caucus. So it is important for me not to run for the provincial race," he said.

Maimane said he felt he had "strong support" in the province and his decision not to run had nothing to do with that.

"My strategic thinking was the emphasis on building a strong profile for the DA nationally and to make sure the campaign is led well," he said.

"There is great opportunity to drive the agenda and do well as spokesperson."

The DA also announced its nominations for provincial chairperson and deputy provincial chairperson.

The nominees for chair were: Dot Corrigan and Mike Moriarty; and for deputy chair: Winston Campbell, Hannes Coetzee, Malanie Haggard, Sipho Masigo and Ashor Sarupen.

The DA's new provincial leadership will be elected at its Gauteng Provincial Congress on March 10.

- SAPA