Show us you're not all-white, DA

EXPERTS: PROGRESS, BUT IT BATTLES TO CONVINCE VOTERS

- Itumeleng Mafisa

A full 25 years since the DA was formed, the party is still trying to convince South Africans they are not a whites-only party, experts say. The party was established on 24 June, 2000, following a merger between the Democratic Party (DP) and the New National Party (NPP).

Over the years, it has seen many prominent black leaders leave for various reasons, including Mmusi Maimane, Herman Mashaba, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Mbali Ntuli and former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi.

Political analyst Sanet Solomon said the departure of these black leaders has left many South Africans wondering about the internal affairs of the DA.

"The DA has been subject to a lot of critique, given its struggle to retain its prominent black leaders. This challenge has translated into its inability to extend its voting base.

"While some of its policies have the ability to positively impact society, voters are also influenced by perception," Solomon said.