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DA’s Steenhuisen Warns ANC and EFF Votes Spell ‘Doomsday Scenario’

Published

11 months ago

May 26, 2023

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has issued a warning to South Africans. The warning states that voting for the African National Congress (ANC) or the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the upcoming 2024 general elections would result in a “doomsday scenario” that surpasses the collapse of Zimbabwe and leaves the entire nation in poverty as reported by The Citizen.

Steenhuisen conveyed his concerns during an interview on BBC’s HARDTalk with Stephen Sackur. When questioned about whether he was instilling fear with his comments, Steenhuisen defended his stance, asserting that he was telling people the honest truth. He pointed out that the policies of the EFF when implemented elsewhere, have led to increased unemployment, misery, hunger, and poverty.

Regarding accusations that his statements could incite racial and ethnic conflicts, Steenhuisen reiterated his belief that South Africa is on the precipice of a daunting abyss. He emphasised the potential ramifications if the ANC were to form an alliance with the EFF, considering the latter’s extractive tendencies towards the former. Steenhuisen warned of the terrifying prospect of the ANC relying on the EFF’s votes to secure a majority.

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Earlier in April, Steenhuisen, after being re-elected as the DA leader during the party’s elective congress in Midrand, vowed to prevent an “ANC-EFF doomsday coalition” from taking control of the country. The leadership contest saw ousted Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse challenging Steenhuisen but ultimately being defeated.

During the BBC interview, Steenhuisen also emphasised that race is not a decisive factor in the party’s leadership. When asked about Phalatse’s potential appeal as the leader, he referred to previous experiences with former DA leader Mmusi Maimane. However, he emphasised that what truly matters is the ability to present a compelling argument and effectively communicate the party’s message.

Steenhuisen highlighted that he was elected as the leader with a significant majority, with the majority of delegates at the congress being non-white South Africans. This demonstrated that the delegates were seeking the individual who could best convey the party’s message and get the job done effectively, regardless of race.

South African Opposition Leader @jsteenhuisen warns of “Doomsday” post-election ANC/EFF coalition
“Imagine how terrifying it’s going to when the ANC would rely on them… to be able to secure a majority” pic.twitter.com/X9k5rQNeI6
— BBC HARDtalk (@BBCHARDtalk) May 25, 2023