Solly Msimanga remains ‘bullish’ despite threat of Khume Ramulifho ahead of Gauteng DA leadership battle

Incumbent leader of the DA in Gauteng Solly Msimanga says he is “bullish”  about the outcome of the party’s provincial congress on Saturday adding that he has support from across the province. 

“I had engagements which have pledged their support. I took over in 2020, when the party was going through a hard time and we had to rebuild the structures. No one wanted to put up their hand. I am not phased by the little group [of detractors], we want to focus on 2024,” he said. 

This comes as Daily Maverick learnt about a group of party members who have heavily criticised Msimanga and are of the view that he should be replaced by MPL Khume Ramulifho. Speaking to Daily Maverick, a member of the DA in Tshwane said Msimanga has likely blown his chances because of how he has managed the province since being appointed three years ago. 

“People are tired of Solly. He had too many scandals but also he chose to centralise power in Tshwane and used it to purge, victimise and bully most of our loyal public reps and activists. Him and his crew only want to surround themselves with your ‘yes sir’. You are not allowed to be objective or else you are subjected to discipline for being against them. Under his leadership, GP came number 8 in the 2021 national elections on the list of DA’s best performers and we have since regressed,” the member lamented. 

Read more in Daily Maverick: Solly Msimanga to step down as Tshwane mayor

Another party public representative also noted the incident where  Msimanga was involved in a brawl in Benoni, Gauteng, after being accused of owing people R1.4-million. A video which was making the rounds on social media in 2021 showed Msimanga bleeding from the mouth and head after an apparent physical fight. He is seen calling the police while his alleged assailant requests that he be paid back.

The DA went on to defend Msimanga, saying that he did not owe anyone money. 

Msimanga insists that he has been able to elevate the province despite the many obstacles the party has faced.

“When we started over in 2020 we said we will have an inclusive Provincial Executive Committee, we were praised for having led the party. People who want to personalise everything should instead try supporting the 2024 campaign. I have been in the forefront of coalition talks, no one would have more experience than I do, since 2016 I have been a part of it. We have been doing the best that we can, those who speak about this do not have an appreciation of what is actually happening. Those who want to raise issues do not know what is happening in the late-night meetings,” Msimanga said. 

DA Gauteng Provincial Leader Solly Msimanga. (Photo: Gallo Images/OJ Koloti)