NOTE TO EDITORS: Please find below the remarks delivered by Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku upon her unopposed election as DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Esteemed National & Provincial leaders, fellow Democrats,
Good afternoon,
It is with great pride and gratitude that I stand before you today as the uncontested DA Joburg Caucus Leader. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the trust you have placed in me to lead our caucus in this important chapter of our party’s journey.
Today, we gather here with a shared purpose: to bring about change and unity. Change is not just a buzzword; it is a call to action. To drive change, we must be willing to do things differently, to challenge the status quo, and to step out of our comfort zones. It is our collective responsibility to taken on the ANC/EFF coalition of corruption, as the official opposition, advocating for the issues that concern our residents.
We must set the agenda, listen to the voices of our constituents, and persistently push for change until we see action from the administration in our communities.
To be effective in our mission, we need a strong foundation. I pledge to revive the research capacity in our political office, enabling our caucus to make informed decisions and provide well-researched proposals. I propose the implementation of “Joburg Caucus Blue Friday” on Fridays, where every Councillor do a blue activity customised for their respective ward.
To ensure that we have a Shadow Cabinet that is fit for purpose, I invite colleagues to share a motivation with your skills, capabilities and experience in the next 24 hours, and from this pool I will make appointments that can effectively champion the needs of our residents.
Unity is not just a word; it is the lifeblood of our success. We must foster an environment where everyone’s voice is heard without fear. Communication on our strategy must be shared transparently, ensuring that we all pull in the same direction. We must recognize that success is not achieved through a one-man show but through the power of collaboration and collective action. Together, we can achieve more.
I propose the reintroduction of a buddy system for all councillors, strengthening the bonds within our caucus and providing support to one another. By coming together and driving change, we will demonstrate to our residents that the DA is their only option—their beacon of hope. It’s time to challenge the status quo fearlessly, fearlessly tackle issues, and leverage our strength as the official opposition to drive change across all spheres of government.
Let us embark on relevant, issue-based campaigns in our wards, uniting our efforts and fighting for our residents together. Together, we will showcase our shared vision and prove to Johannesburg that the DA is the only hope for our city.
In conclusion, I stand here today, not as an individual, but as a representative of a united force ready to make a difference. I invite each and every one of you to join me on this transformative journey. Let us rally behind the principles of change and unity, embodying the spirit of the Democratic Alliance. Together, we will inspire hope, effect real change, and make a lasting impact in the lives of our fellow citizens. Together, we will be the ones that lead the charge to bring the DA its best ever result in Johannesburg next year and restore faith in our battered democracy.
I would also like to announce that I have Appointed Leah Knott as Chief Whip of our Caucus.
The Shadow Cabinet that is fit for purpose will be announced on Wednesday Morning.
Thank you, and may we march forward with determination, passion, and unwavering resolve.”