A Democratic Alliance meeting intended to introduce its new Ward 31 candidate turned into a heated confrontation on Tuesday night, as residents challenged the party over its decision to replace incumbent councillor Remona McKenzie.
The meeting at the Sparks Estate Community Centre was called by the DA’s Durban Central leadership to introduce Aakshay Singh as its Ward 31 candidate for the upcoming Local Government Elections.
DA eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen was also invited to address residents and rally support for the party’s campaign ahead of the polls.
However, the focus quickly shifted from the election campaign to McKenzie, who has served as the ward councillor for the past five years.
Residents questioned why she had not been selected to contest the ward again and expressed frustration that they had not been consulted about the change.
Some warned that the decision could cost the DA votes in Ward 31, saying they would reconsider their support for the party if McKenzie was not reinstated.
Residents told party representatives that McKenzie had built strong relationships within the community during her term and said they were satisfied with her performance as councillor.
Questions were also raised about Singh, with some residents saying the new candidate was largely unknown to the community and had yet to demonstrate his ability to represent the ward.
Hoosen defends candidate selection
Hoosen defended the party’s candidate selection process, saying the replacement of incumbent councillors formed part of a broader strategy of leadership renewal ahead of the elections.
He told residents that two out of every three DA councillors had been replaced with new candidates.
Hoosen stressed that the decision not to return McKenzie as the Ward 31 candidate was not a personal attack on her, but the outcome of a selection process conducted in accordance with party policies.
“Candidates are required to apply for the positions and undergo a rigorous interview and assessment process. Those who meet the criteria and successfully complete the process are considered for selection,” Hoosen said.
He acknowledged that replacing sitting councillors was not an easy decision, but said candidates had been assessed against a range of criteria before selections were finalised.
His explanation, however, failed to satisfy several residents at the meeting.
They continued to voice their opposition to the decision and warned party representatives that ignoring community sentiment could have consequences at the ballot box.
The confrontation ultimately overshadowed what was intended to be an election mobilisation meeting and highlighted the challenge facing the DA as it attempts to persuade Ward 31 voters to support a new candidate.
For some of those attending the meeting, the message to the party was unequivocal: they want McKenzie back and say their vote should not be taken for granted.
