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The Democratic Alliance federal executive last night signed off on the completion of the rigorous, seven-stage candidate selection process undertaken by the party ahead of the local government elections, in which the DA will contest all 257 municipalities and 4 484 wards across South Africa.

The DA’s process has been demanding by design. South Africans deserve public representatives who are competent and ready to deliver from their first day in office.

The DA conducted an open nomination process that enabled community leaders and skilled professionals who share our values to put themselves forward for public office.

All applications were screened for their suitability by screening committees.

Every potential candidate was then subjected to comprehensive suitability assessments.

Candidates were required to complete online courses covering governance, constitutionalism, municipal legislation and leadership and were then required to pass a series of tests to ensure a base level of competence.

Candidates who progressed through these stages appeared before selection panels for in depth interviews, where their competence, leadership ability, integrity and commitment to public service were assessed against a clear and consistent set of criteria.

The result of this rigorous process is a diverse group of highly capable and talented candidates who are ready to get municipalities working for all.

Over the coming weeks, the DA’s provincial and regional executives will continue to release municipal candidate lists and announce candidates in communities and wards across every part of South Africa.

After three decades of neglect in ANC-run municipalities, as well as the collapse of services in municipalities captured by coalitions of corruption and chaos that frequently include opportunistic parties, South Africans need representatives who are ready to do the hard work of restoring accountable government.

The DA will put forward candidates with the skills to do this.

DA candidates stand ready to stabilise municipal finances, cut waste and corruption, repair infrastructure, and ensure that basic services work reliably for all.

Where the DA governs, we have demonstrated that clean government, sound financial management and dependable service delivery are possible.

Our candidates are ready to protect that record in DA-led municipalities and to bring the same standard of government to communities that have been failed for far too long.

The DA is ready to offer South Africans fit-for-purpose candidates in every municipality, and we stand ready to deliver a credible government that can get towns and cities working for all.

Issued by Ashor Sarupen - DA Federal Council Chairperson