Dean Macpherson open to challenging Zille

DA SENIOR leader in KwaZulu-Natal Dean Macpherson has not ruled out contesting the party’s Federal Council chairperson position currently occupied by Helen Zille. 

The position is equivalent to the secretary-general and comes with significant political power. Zille was recently announced as the Johannesburg mayoral candidate for next year’s local government elections.

The Federal Council chairperson’s position is permanent - meaning that should Zille take up the Johannesburg mayoral position, she would have to vacate it; however, a party source said Zille might make herself available for re-election since the local government elections are likely to take place after the party’s elective conference.

The source said that since there is no guarantee that she will become the mayor of Johannesburg, no one will prevent her from contesting any position she wants in the party.

Macpherson, who is currently the provincial chairperson (equivalent to the provincial secretary position), is said to be favoured by the Federal leader John Steenhuisen. Both leaders are from Durban North.

Asked about his availability, Macpherson, who is also Public Works and Infrastructure Minister in the ANC-led Government of National Unity, said he would consider making himself available if nominated.

“I appreciate and am honoured that people would consider my name for the position. As nominations have not opened, I have not considered this yet, but I will do so and consult with colleagues on this matter when the time is right. As I have always done, I will be guided by the membership of the party in how best I can serve the DA,” said Macpherson.

He is credited with the current smooth relationship between the DA and the IFP in the province.

In 2023, both leaders signed a service delivery pact where the DA assured the IFP of its support in all hung municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. The pact resulted in the DA getting a deputy mayorship in the Umhlathuze Local Municipality in Richards Bay. 

Both IFP and the DA are also working hand in hand in the provincial government Cabinet under IFP’s Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.

Cape Times