Democratic Alliance (DA) interim leader John Steenhuisen said the loss of Johannesburg to the African National Congress (ANC) was disappointing, but that ‘mistakes are never fatal, provided you learn from them’.
Steenhuisen was reacting to the mayoral vote earlier this week which handed leadership of the Johannesburg council to the ANC under new mayor Geoff Makhubo.
Steenhuisen, who conceded that there was a ‘good likelihood’ that Tshwane would go the same way, told journalists: ‘I made a commitment that we will not stay in government for government’s sake. I will not be the leader who betrays the principles of the party and sells out.’
He added: ‘No regrets, a number of lessons, yes.’
Steenhuisen said the DA would not ‘go into coalitions for coalitions’ sake’, and would now focus on ensuring it was ‘battle-ready for 2021’, when the next local government elections will be held.