South Africa: Mmusi Maimane As Choice for Western Cape Premier Would Expose Weakness of DA Bench

analysis

DA leader Mmusi Maimane's seemingly last-minute decision to enter the race for the Western Cape premiership places the party in a difficult situation ahead of the announcement of the successful candidate for the position. Amid a confused and largely negative response from pundits and social media, the DA could prevail upon Maimane not to stand - an about-turn which would paint the party leader as weak and indecisive. But if Maimane does indeed take up the role, the messages it sends to the electorate about the party also do not inspire confidence.

When the DA cancels a press conference, it almost always means something's up. In this regard, the DA is a victim of its own efficiency. While a postponed briefing from another political party might be met with shrugs, from the DA it causes raised eyebrows and prompts journalists' questions.

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