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googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('footerleaderboard'); }); The newly elected Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the North West, Freddy Sonakile, says his immediate task is to strengthen party structures in the province ahead of the local government elections.

He was elected during the party?s provincial congress held in Potchefstroom over the weekend.

The DA is the third largest party in the North West.

Sonakile has promised to meet with several stakeholders, including political parties, to foster working relations.

?As we prepare for the 2026 local government elections, our focus is on strengthening our structures, winning key municipalities like JB Marks and delivering clean accountable government. Our message is clear that no community is unwinnable and no voter is unreachable. Together we will build a stronger DA and better North West. In my first 100 days, I will lead an intensive stakeholder engagement program where I’ll be engaging with farmers unions, business, traditional leaders, civil society, textile organisation and like-minded political parties. We are already in constructive discussions with the UCDP about future working relations.?