Alliance in E Cape ‘as strong as ever’, says Trent

By Patrick Cull, Political Correspondent

CAPE TOWN – The Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape was “as strong as ever” even after the differences in the Western Cape over Peter Marais, East Cape leader Eddie Trent said yesterday.

Mr Trent said a lot had been said about the “unfortunate incidents within the DA in the Western Cape, but I believe that the DA will emerge stronger than ever before”.

He said he believed it was necessary to put in perspective “the views of those ’wise’ political commentators who have passed judgement on our future based on one-sided and limited information. It is almost as if they know more about the party’s affairs than we, the leaders, do.”

Mr Trent said the “whole chain-reaction of events was set off by a single leak to a weekend newspaper and has been blown completely out of proportion”.

He said it needed to be remembered that the Western Cape was only one of nine provinces and that their problems “are not replicated in other parts of the country.

“I also have full confidence in the ability of the Western Cape leadership to deal with the temporary setback they are experiencing.”

Mr Trent said “the overwhelming majority of DA councillors in the Eastern Cape have come out unequivocally in support of the DA and its leader.”

He said that in the final analysis it would be the will of the grassroots supporters and activists that would determine the ultimate success of the party.

“I am fully confident that, despite the growing pains that were to be expected, we are on track to achieve the goals for which the DA was established.