SA’s first opposition black leader takes on Zuma

Mmusi Maimane who was on Sunday elected the first black opposition leader of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), has lashed out at President Jacob Zuma, promising him that his party, DA, would take over political power from the African National Congress (ANC) which has been in power since the country abolished apartheid rule.

He promised cheering supporters that the DA would win power and lashed out at Mr Zuma over corruption allegations.

“Make no mistake Mr President, you will have your day in court,” he said in his victory speech.

Maimane, 34, was clear favourite to succeed outgoing leader Helen Zille. He became party spokesman in 2011, regularly locking horns with the South African President, Jacob Zuma.

The DA won its best-ever share of the vote in the 2014 elections, but has struggled with perceptions that it primarily represents white South Africans.

Maimane faced party chairman Wilmot James for the job, and was elected at a party conference in Port Elizabeth, on Sunday.

Mr Maimane’s predecessor, Helen Zille, made no secret of her belief that the party would never threaten the ANC’s enduring grip on power if it could not finally shake off the accusation that it is a “white” party, representing the interests of those who have benefited from decades of racial apartheid.

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