Note to Editors: The below speech was delivered by the newly elected DA North West Provincial Leader, Freddy Sonakile, at the North West Provincial Congress at The Feather Hill Boutique Hotel.
Thank you.
Thank you for your confidence. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for giving me the honour of leading this great movement in the North West.
Today is not a personal victory. It is a victory for unity. It is a victory for renewal.
It is a victory for every activist who knocks on doors, every councillor who serves their community, and every member who believes that this province deserves better.
I accept this responsibility with humility, determination, and a deep sense of duty.
The Democratic Alliance in the North West is at a turning point.
We have grown. We have survived difficult moments. We have built strong foundations in municipalities and communities.
But now, we must move from growth to breakthrough. From opposition to governance.
From potential to power.
We are no longer a small party with big dreams. We are a serious political force.
And we must start acting like one. Listening to Our People.
Over the past months, I have engaged intensively with our Members in this province. I listened to branches. I listened to councillors. I listened to activists.
And one message came through clearly: Our leaders must be more visible. Our structures need stronger support. We must prepare earlier and better for elections.
These were not complaints. They were a call to action.
And today, I stand before you to say: I have heard you. And I will act.
I believe leadership is not about titles. It is about service. It is about humility. It is about presence.
As Provincial Leader, I will not lead from an office. I will lead from the ground.
I will: Put the suit aside and wear khaki with our farmers. Stand shoulder to shoulder with activists in our townships. Respect and engage our traditional leaders. Walk our villages and informal settlements.
Because leadership that is not visible is not leadership at all. That is how trust is built.
That is how the DA becomes real to people.
Let me be clear: I will not lead alone. I am proud to work alongside my Deputy Provincial Leader. We will function as one leadership team.
I commit to hands-on political work across this province. And I will delegate clear political responsibilities to my Deputy, so that our agenda is understood everywhere.
Because I cannot be everywhere. But together, we can be everywhere.
We will ensure: That our messaging is consistent. That our priorities are clear. That our branches are supported. That our councillors are defended and strengthened.
This will be a leadership of teamwork, not ego.
Fellow Democrats, Let us be honest about where we are.
In the North West today, we have four hung municipalities. That is not weakness.
That is opportunity.
It means voters are open to change. It means no party has a monopoly. It means power is within reach.
We also know: JB Marks is within striking distance. Winning it outright is possible. But let me be honest: It will not happen by chance. It will not happen by luck. It will only happen through hard work.
Through door-to-door campaigns. Through community presence. Through disciplined organisation. Through strong candidates. Through united structures.
That is the work we start now.
Priority 1: Unity with Discipline. Unity is not about pretending we always agree. Unity is about:
- Respect.
- Discipline.
- Clear leadership.
- Shared goals.
We will debate. We will differ. But when decisions are made, we move together. Factionalism weakens us. Disunity delays victory. Under my leadership, the DA in the North West will be united, focused, and professional.
Priority 2: Supporting Our Structures
Branches and councillors are our backbone. Without them, there is no DA.
As Provincial Leader, I will ensure:
- Regular visits to all regions.
- Structured engagement with branches.
- Rapid political support for councillors.
- Stronger communication channels.
When our people feel supported, they perform better. When they perform better, we win.
Priority 3: Broadening Our Reach
We cannot grow by preaching to the converted. We must go where we have been absent. In my first 100 days, we will launch a stakeholder roadshow.
We will engage:
- Business leaders.
- Farmers.
- Civil society.
- Youth organisations.
- Women’s groups.
- Faith-based institutions.
- Traditional leaders.
We will strengthen relationships with partners such as AfriForum, Sakeliga and AgriNW.
But equally, we will deepen engagement in townships and rural communities. No community is “unwinnable.” No voter is “unreachable.” Every South African deserves to hear our message.
Winning elections today is not only about political structures. It is about partnerships. We will build principled partnerships with:
- Community organisations fighting crime.
- Groups advocating for water and electricity.
- Business chambers creating jobs.
- NGOs supporting education and health.
These partnerships will not be transactional. They will be based on shared values: accountability, dignity, opportunity.
When communities see us working with them, not above them, they will trust us.
Let me repeat: Winning is not accidental.
- Every meeting.
- Every campaign.
- Every governance position.
- Every candidate selection.
Must answer one question: Does this help us win in 2026?
We will professionalise our campaign machinery. Strengthen data and voter outreach. Develop leaders early. Train activists continuously.
2026 preparation starts today. Not next year. Not in 2025. Today.
To our activists: You are the heartbeat of this party. You walk long distances. You use your own resources. You give your time. I commit to you: You will be respected. You will be supported. You will be heard. This leadership belongs to you.
To the people of this province: We hear you. We know you are tired of corruption. Tired of unemployment. Tired of broken services. Tired of empty promises.
We offer you clean governance. Competent leadership. A government that works.
And we are ready to govern.
Today you have given me a mandate. Not to rule. But to serve. Not to divide. But to unite. Not to manage decline. But to build victory.
Together, we will make out impact felt in hung municipalities. Take JB Marks. Grow our footprint. Prepare for provincial government.
Let us move forward with courage. With discipline. With humility. With confidence.
The future of the DA in the North West is bright. And together — We will make it unstoppable.
Thank you.
God bless you.
God bless the Democratic Alliance. God bless the North West.