Haniff Hoosen named DA mayoral candidate for eThekwini, scepticism arises

THE announcement of Haniff Hoosen as the DA's mayoral candidate for the eThekwini Municipality has drawn scepticism even from within the party's rank-and-file members.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

DA members who spoke to The Mercury yesterday raised doubts about his public profile and, by extension, his ability to attract voters. They said Hoosen's announcement as the mayoral candidate for one of the biggest metros in the country was a general indication of the dearth of high-profile leaders in the party within the province.

A political analyst also questioned the DA's competitiveness in the upcoming local government elections in eThekwini.

The DA announced on Friday that Hoosen, a seasoned politician, would be the party's mayoral candidate in eThekwini.

However, party members expressed scepticism about Hoosen's ability to woo the electorate into the party.

“People applied for the position, and a candidate was chosen. There are favourites, of course, like everywhere. There are too many unknown and unsellable people in the party, hence the nomination of Helen Zille as the mayoral candidate in Johannesburg,” said one party member, who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Another leader in the party suggested that the nomination could make it easier to elect a mayor if there is a need for a coalition government.