Kopane, who has been leading the party in the province for the last eight years, will therefore officially step down and hand over the reins to the newly elected provincial leader when the party holds its provincial elective congress virtually in mid-November. Kopane assures the public, that she isn’t leaving the organisation entirely, she will continue to be around and support the newly elected leaders at both national and provincial level. “The DA has been a part of my life for the last 16 years. I am still a member of parliament as well,” says Kopane.

When reflecting back on her three terms as provincial leader of the opposition, she tells OFM News she has no regrets. Even though the party collectively didn’t do well in the 2019 provincial and national elections, she is content that they managed to somewhat retain their position and influence in the Free State Legislature in terms of seat numbers. “It was an honour and a privilege to serve my party and the province. They welcomed me, they built me. Their support was unconditional. I look back not with regret. I think I’ve built a good legacy,” concludes Kopane passionately.

Whilst she is satisfied with the progress she has been able to make in the province over the last eight years, she believes that a new leader will bring innovative ideas to the table that will help the party to grow its presence further in the Free State.

Speaking of which, the leader of the DA in the Free State Legislature, Roy Jankielsohn, has announced his bid via social media for the party’s top provincial seat. The DA’s federal elective congress will take place on the 31 October for the top national positions, whilst the Free State’s one will take place on 14 November.

OFM News