The Democratic Alliance’s (DA's) Johannesburg caucus leader Vasco Da Gama has thrown his support behind Refiloe Ntsekhe for the position of the party’s deputy federal chairperson.

Ntsekhe is a member of the provincial legislature and the DA’s shadow MEC for social development in Gauteng.

“Women should have a strong hold not only in society but also in politics as they make great leaders‚” said Da Gama‚ adding that “(outgoing party leader) Helen Zille is a perfect example of that”.

He that in said the DA‚ unlike the African National Congress‚ “positions are not awarded to people for loyalty‚ against the lack of credentials” and described Ntsekhe as “one of the reputable people who… has since climbed the ladder”.

“She is honest and has integrity; she knows her work and her policies well and her ambition speaks for itself‚” Da Gama said.

“I am moved by Refiloe’s passion for change in the DA and in South Africa as a whole. I believe she has experience which will reach the required voter target in 2016.”