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I can today announce that the COPE MP Nqaba Bhanga has joined the Democratic Alliance. Nqaba is a candidate for Parliament for the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape.

This is another step in the realignment of politics in the Eastern Cape and in South Africa.

Nqaba, like many other voters in the Eastern Cape, used to be part of the ANC. He made the transition to COPE in 2009, and has now joined the DA. Thousands of people all across the country are making the same transition as the DA continues to grow in all communities.

We have had many constructive engagements in Parliament these last few years. In the process we have learnt that we share common ground on the vast majority of issues. He shares our vision to bring change and jobs to South Africa.

Nqaba is a well-known political activist and leader who is respected across all communities in Nelson Mandela Bay. He was formerly a leader in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in Nelson Mandela Bay, the National General Secretary of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) and the national Youth President of COPE.

Mr Bhanga will lead the DA’s activities in the newly-created Ngqura Constituency with a dedicated team of hundreds of activists who are in place and committed to bringing change to Nelson Mandela Bay.  The Ngqura Constituency will include Motherwell, New Brighton, Kwazakhele, KwaMagxaki, KwaNoxolo, Zwide, and Blue Water Bay.

We are building a new majority. People from all walks of life and all political parties are joining the DA. They are joining the DA, because there is a growing recognition that we can stop corruption, create jobs and restore Madiba’s vision of economic opportunity for all.