By GQEBERHA — Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has declared that his party is within “striking distance” of capturing an outright majority in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, urging thousands of supporters to turn out en masse in next week’s crucial municipal elections.
Addressing high-energy rallies across Nelson Mandela Bay and neighbouring Kouga in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, Hill-Lewis framed the upcoming ballot strictly as a “turnout election” where voter mobilization will decide the political fate of the industrial hub.
“The DA is within striking distance of winning this metro! We can win it, your vote can win it!” Hill-Lewis told cheering crowds in Gqeberha. “The future of Nelson Mandela Bay will be decided next Wednesday. Don’t miss it! Don’t stay at home!”
Targeting First-Time Voters and High Turnout
With just days remaining before Election Day, the DA leadership is aggressively pushing to convert latent public frustration into disciplined ballot box action. Stressing that potential alone cannot unseat failing governance, Hill-Lewis issued a direct appeal to the thousands considering backing the party for the first time.
“When you vote for the DA next week, we will not let you down! You won’t be disappointed,” he assured prospective voters. “You, and your family, and your children, will soon see the benefit of a DA government – better services, more jobs, zero tolerance for corruption!”
The party is banking on a high-water mark of voter turnout to push them past the threshold, calling on every registered supporter to convert personal networks, casual conversations, and political hope into concrete electoral action.
Pointing to Kouga as a Blueprint for Delivery
To substantiate claims of effective governance, Hill-Lewis contrasted the metro’s current infrastructural decay with the tangible progress achieved in the neighbouring Kouga municipality under Mayor Hattingh Bornman and his team.
Highlighting Kouga as a shining regional example, the DA leader pointed to a sweeping R200 million roads initiative that has already successfully tarred roughly 28 kilometres of roads and resealed another 33 kilometres. He also noted recent localized wins, including the electrification project benefiting 150 families in Thornhill earlier this month.
“That is progress you can see. Progress that makes everyday life better,” Hill-Lewis said, urging voters to return a DA majority to Kouga to keep the momentum going.
The Vision for Nelson Mandela Bay
Turning his focus back to the metro, Hill-Lewis painted a picture of what five stable years of municipal governance under Retief Odendaal could achieve. He emphasized the fundamental blocking and tackling of local government: repairing broken infrastructure, fixing water pipes, maintaining roads, regular rubbish collection, and treating public funds with respect to restore investor confidence.
“We know that years of neglect cannot be repaired overnight. It will take hard work, honest leadership, and a government that stays focused,” acknowledged Hill-Lewis. “Retief is ready to take on that work. And this city deserves the stability that will let him get on with it.”
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the DA’s strategy hinges on creating a powerful regional corridor of effective governance between Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay. Concluding his address with a rallying cry for a nationwide “blue wave,” Hill-Lewis urged supporters to finalize their voting plans and secure a fresh start for the Eastern Cape’s economic heartland.
