DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially unveiled its comprehensive eThekwini Metro election strategy and full candidate list, positioning itself as the only viable solution to Durban’s deepening service delivery crisis. Ahead of the November 5 municipal elections, the party outlined a clear, actionable plan to reclaim the metro from the African National […]
DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially unveiled its comprehensive eThekwini Metro election strategy and full candidate list, positioning itself as the only viable solution to Durban’s deepening service delivery crisis. Ahead of the November 5 municipal elections, the party outlined a clear, actionable plan to reclaim the metro from the African National Congress (ANC) by directly addressing collapsing infrastructure, persistent water and power outages, neglected waste collection, and escalating criminal activities.
DA KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson Dean Macpherson announced the party’s 112 ward councillor candidates, highlighting a strategic roster designed to restore functional governance. Notably, the slate includes former ANC ward councillors Marco Mbambo and David Ngubane. Following their recent political defection, both will campaign for seats in Wards 8 and 16, respectively. Macpherson emphasized that 65 percent of the DA’s ward candidates are new, while 35 percent are returning incumbents. This composition, he noted, ensures a vital balance of fresh, energetic perspectives underpinned by seasoned, experienced leadership.
eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen expressed strong confidence in the newly announced team, urging residents to support the party’s vision for a functional and revitalized city.
“There are highly qualified people in this room, many of whom have experience, some of whom are new but young, fresh, and energetic to get the city working again,” Hoosen stated. Framing the upcoming vote as a definitive choice for the city’s future, he added, “If you want to wake up to a DA mayor on the 5th of November, get behind these people. We have only one of two choices in this election. The ANC is finished.”
The candidate roster reflects a diverse range of professional backgrounds, drawing talent from commerce, religious organizations, and community groups. Ward 99 councillor candidate Thabani Ndlovu cited the area’s compounding leadership and service delivery crises as the primary motivation for stepping forward. Ndlovu noted that entrenched complacency among current officials has created an urgent, undeniable demand for change among residents.
Similarly, Ward 27 candidate Ryan Hendra shared his personal commitment to the city, rejecting the option to “semigrate” to provinces like the Western Cape where municipal services function reliably. “Five years ago, I looked around the city and I could not continue to just complain about the decay. I had to get involved,” Hendra explained. “I chose to stay because this is my home and I love this place.”
According to Macpherson, finalizing the candidate roster required tough organizational decisions, but the process was carefully guided by extensive consultations with local communities and civic organizations to match the required skills and commitment needed to turn eThekwini around.
As the party ramps up its campaign momentum across multiple wards, the DA maintains that its diverse, action-oriented team is uniquely positioned to reverse the metro’s decline and restore reliable, essential services to the residents of Durban.
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