Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen assured Johannesburg residents that there will be “absolutely no compromise” on the party’s principles in order to stay in government, explaining that the party did not solicit the support of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or ActionSA for its candidates in metros.

The DA scored surprise mayorship of Joburg and Ekurhuleni, toppling the African National Congress in both metros, following a spontaneous vote of support from other opposition parties.

Dr Mpho Phalatse was elected the Mayor of Johannesburg and Vasco Da Gama elected Council Speaker. Tania Campbell was elected Mayor of Ekurhuleni and Raymond Dhlamini as the Speaker of the Council.

“We didn’t ask for help from the EFF to lead these governments, and we did not expect to leave these meetings with two new DA mayors, and both these metros’ first ever female mayors,” said Steenhuisen.

He explained that there was no deal made with the EFF and ActionSA, and no quid pro quo for supporting DA candidates, adding that all the party can offer to the parties is the opportunity to be on the “right side of history”.

“We will put proposals on the table to end corruption, improve service delivery, and to attract investment to these cities in order to create the jobs that are essential to lifting people out of poverty,” Steenhuisen said.

He said the DA will not cling to power at all cost and would sooner return to the opposition benches than give way to demands that are unrealistic, corrupt or require the party to govern badly.

“We look forward to working with any party that shares our vision for fixing these metros, and providing a pathway out of desperate poverty for millions. But we are under no illusions about the stability of these governments as they now stand. I think it is clear to all that the EFF voted against the ANC more than they voted for the DA. They extracted no concessions from us, and they will get none. What this means is that these governments could very well be short-lived. But whether they last five years or five days, I can assure you that the DA will use its time in office entirely in service of the residents of these metros. That is the only reason we do what we do, and the only reason there ever should be for contesting elections,” said Steenhuisen.