‘It’s inevitable for people to change parties ahead of elections’

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The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says it is inevitable for people to change parties as they draw up their candidates’ lists ahead of this year’s general elections. He was reacting to the resignation of the DA’s member of the Gauteng legislature Khume Ramulifho and MP Ghaleb Cachalia from the party.

Ramulifho who left after losing the DA Gauteng leadership race, has joined Rise Mzansi.

Addressing DA members who picketed at the Durban City Hall yesterday, Steenhuisen said people were free to join parties of their choice.

“Look, people come and go in politics and look what is happening in the ANC and people will do this, particularly now. It’s a silly season, transfer season. We have three to four months from elections, parties are finalising the lists processes, and people are looking ahead and my ticket is not secured here, so let me look for a safety in another party. You will see that happening and it’s going to continue as lists process within parties continue. The work carries on, and values and principles in the party remain the same and we continue to work for the people of South Africa and focus on issues that matter most.”

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