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Johannesburg - Cape Town mayor and Democratic Alliance Western Cape leader Patricia De Lille has formally endorsed parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane's candidacy for the party leadership on Monday.
In a letter to DA members and federal congress delegates, De Lille said following present leader and Western Cape premier Helen Zille's decision to not stand again - an act De Lille described as "selfless" - the party had reached the next stage of its political evolution.
"It is now our task to become a realistic and credible alternative to the governing party of the day - an alternative that is ready and able to provide leadership as a national government. South Africa is in crisis and in need of a different direction and it is our responsibility to provide it," De Lille said.
"I believe that Mmusi Maimane is the person to lead our party and create a political home for all South Africans in search of this direction. I have had the benefit of discussing our future with Mmusi personally and I believe in his vision for the DA and for the country.
"Once his message reaches all party members, I have little doubt that, like me, you will find within it the drive and spirit needed to change South Africa."
Zille announced on April 12 that she would step down as DA leader after eight years at the helm, having led the party since 2007.
Wilmot James, the party's federal chairperson, is also vying for the position of party leader.
The new leader of the DA will be decided upon at the party's federal congress on May 9 and 10 May in Port Elizabeth.
