Steenhuisen has an edge over his two rivals for the DA top job

The battle lines have been drawn in the race for the top leadership in the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Makashule Gana, Bonginkosi Madikizela and John Steenhuisen are up for the party’s top position.

READ: Mazzone appointed new DA’s chief whip

However, the big question has been where will the three candidates draw their support for the bid to replace Mmusi Maimane.

Of all the three candidates, it is clear that John Steenhuisen is the one who is enjoying massive support from the Federal council executive chairperson Helen Zille.

Steenhuisen backed Zille in her bid to take over as Federal executive last month and it is supported that Zille will endorse his nomination.

Steenhuisen, who currently serves as the leader of the party in Parliament will also gain support from the camp that is against race-based policies such as BEE and Affirmative Action.

His home province of Kwa-Zulu Natal might also throw their support since leader Zwakele Mncwango is not contesting.

Steenhuisen’s experience in national politics, especially his role in the National Assembly might work in his favour.

Image result for makashule gana 2019
Makashule Gana might be a thorn his John Steenhuisen’s bid for leadership.

Meanwhile, Gana, who is a member of the Gauteng Legislature, is expected to enjoy support from the Gauteng province.

Gana seems like a strong contester to Steenhuisen, since he holds a different ideology to him.

Gana represents a group that supports the idea of placing race in all the discussions of economic redress.

However, it is not clear whether he will also enjoy support from other provinces, which are led by black leaders such as Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Bonginkosi Madikizela is deemed a dark horse in the race.

Western Cape leader Madikizela, who seems to be holding the same ideology with the Steenhuisen camp, will be a dark horse in this race.

The elections will take place on the weekend of November 17.

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