DA KwaZulu-Natal Premier Candidate Chris Pappas Declines Legislature Seat, Vows to Focus on uMngeni Mayoral Role

Chris Pappas, the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate for KwaZulu-Natal premier, has announced his decision to forego a seat in the provincial legislature, opting to continue serving as the Mayor of the uMngeni Municipality.

Pappas expressed his commitment to remain in his current position as the Mayor of the uMngeni Municipality, the first DA majority-led government in KwaZulu-Natal.

Pappas, who faced disappointment in his bid for the premiership following the recent general elections, conveyed his gratitude for the support he and the DA received from the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite the outcome that prevented the DA from securing an outright majority in the province, Pappas acknowledged the voters’ trust and credited them with ‘rescuing’ KwaZulu-Natal from potential alternative outcomes.

He expressed his appreciation to the nearly 500,000 voters in KwaZulu-Natal who supported the DA, emphasizing the significance of their decision in shaping the province’s political landscape.

Pappas highlighted the ongoing efforts of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal to facilitate the establishment of a stable coalition government that prioritizes the interests of the province and focuses on job creation, economic growth, community safety, water accessibility, anti-corruption measures, and healthcare and education reform.

Additionally, the DA was involved in a coalition agreement alongside political parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), African National Congress (ANC), and National Freedom Party (NFP) to jointly govern KwaZulu-Natal.