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Johannesburg - The gloves are off as Democratic Alliance members made their preference known about who should lead the party after next month's federal congress, prompting chief whip John Steenhuisen to call some to order.
Steenhuisen is supporting Mmusi Maimane to take over the position of DA leader.
In a letter sent to "provincial canvassing captains" for Maimane's campaign, and seen by News24, Steenhuisen urged people not to use negative campaigning.
"I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to, at all times, project a positive message from Mmusi's campaign and strictly avoid any negative campaigning.
"We have the very best candidate, the very best ideas and the very best campaign team, there is no need to go negative," the letter reads.
On Saturday, Jason Gelbart, vice chairperson of the DA Youth, took to Twitter showing his support for federal chairperson Wilmot James, who announced on Friday that he would stand against Maimane.
"So happy @wilmotjames is challenging @MmusiMaimane. Will be nice to see someone who isn't following a script challenge a puppet #ARealLeader," he wrote on Twitter.
This promoted Steenhuisen, who is supporting Parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane, to respond to what he called "negative campaigning".
"@JasonGelbart @wilmotjames trust you are familiar with the party rules on negative campaigning? If not, maybe you should read them."
However, Gelbart in turn responded: " @jsteenhuisen @wilmotjames I'm glad I'm not campaigning. We still upholding the constitution right? Freedom of speech and whatnot?"
Steenhuisen then reminded Gelbart that he was a party member and the federal rules applied to him.
Maimane seems to be the frontrunner to take the over the helm of the party, however, he still needs to convince some critics.
James is relying on experience and political skill to get him to the finish line.
