In a show of force ahead of local government elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini signed a "notice to vacate" for Mayor James Nxumalo – confident that they would triumph at the polls.

The African National Congress (ANC) currently enjoys an outright majority in the city's executive council.

The DA's mayoral candidate, Haniff Hoosen, described the elections as a historic moment and the most important since 1994.

"It will be a day South Africans stand up for change and we will begin charting a new journey. A journey that will give recognition to all South Africans based on the principals of freedom, fairness and opportunity," he said.

Hoosen had tough talk for the ANC administration nationally and within its historical power base of Durban.

"The decline of the ANC is happening before our eyes. That is why they have embarked on an all-out fear and race campaign.

"In the same way the apartheid government wanted black people and white people to hate each other so they could stay in power, Jacob Zuma and the corrupt ANC want to do the same so they too can hold onto power," he said.

"We have a message for President Zuma, if you have nothing positive to offer our country or build on the legacy of Madiba, step aside and allow the DA to take us forward," Hoosen said.