Many have been wondering who will be succeeding Patricia De Lille as the new mayor of Cape Town. De Lille will step down from her current role as Executive Mayor on 31 October, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) concluded its acceptance of applications for the role at the stroke midnight on Tuesday, 4 September.
Brett Herron, Mayco member for transport and urban development, reported that he had submitted his application to succeed De Lille despite being viewed as an ally of hers during her lengthy court battle against the DA.
Herron grew up in politics despite making the decision to pursue an education in law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His father served as a member of the Durban City Council in the 1970s, and would often take a young Brett on drives through low-cost housing estates and townships to check on the living conditions of its residents.
Herron was originally a member of De Lille’s Independent Democrats (ID) party and became a councillor for the City of Cape Town in 2009. When ID merged with the DA, Herron took over the Transport Portfolio.
“I have a proven track record of delivery and hard-won experience combined with legal expertise and an unwavering ethical backbone to ensure we do not deviate from our mandate and moral obligations to our citizens‚” he said to TimesLIVE. “I can think of no better way of serving this great city and its people than as its mayor.”
Others have been punted to be in the running for Mayor, including Western Cape Premier Helen Zille.
Zille rejected the offer of mayorship as she would like to complete her term as Premier.
As applications for the position have concluded, the DA Federal Executive will now move to convene with the selection panel to interview the candidates. After this stage, the best candidate will be announced as the new Mayor.
Picture: www.brettherron.co.za