DA to embark on ‘Real State of The Nation Tour’, says Steenhuisen

DA leader John Steenhuisen has announced that he’ll be embarking on a tour of the country to engage with the electorate across all the provinces. The tour is called the “Real State of the Nation Tour”.

Cyril Ramaphosa has set aside 13 February for his 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA). During the address, he will update the country on his administration’s progress or lack thereof in addressing the country’s challenges.

Tellingly the DA leader’s two-week tour of the country will commence on 27 January and come to a close just before the presidential address.

John Steenhuisen’s ‘Real State of the Nation’ Tour

The tour will no doubt at least partially be with a view to gathering ammunition against any false claims that could be made at SONA 2020.

Steenhuisen and the DA leadership will also be mindful of the fact that the party’s recent public leadership struggle and controversial social media posts by Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille have alienated many potential voters.

The tour would seem to be an attempt to reconnect with the electorate and those most affected by the ailing economy and the lack of service delivery.

The tour will give the leadership an opportunity to listen “to their daily challenges and struggles in a quest to assess the real state of our nation” according to the DA statement.

“Life is getting harder for the vast majority of South Africans – unemployment and poverty are rising, electricity and water supply is unstable, and people feel unsafe in their communities. Now is the time for bold, workable alternatives to stem this tide and help change lives for the better.”

Tour schedule highlights

Gauteng

The tour will commence in Gauteng on Monday 27 January with John Steenhuisen joined by DA Gauteng Provincial Leader John Moodey, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Baxolile Nodada, DA public representatives and activists on various stops throughout the province.

There will also be an oversight inspection, and meeting with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Students at 11:00 at the TUT Soshanguve Campus.

Limpopo

The tour will move to Limpopo on Tuesday 28 January where Steenhuisen will be accompanied by DA Gauteng Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle, DA public representatives and activists on various stops in the province.

There will be an oversight inspection at 10:00 in Bela-Bela at Andre Kok, and Seun BK followed by a community meeting at 13:30 in Mogalakwena at the Moshate Tribal Council, Mogalakwena.

The second day will conclude with a media briefing at the DA Provincial Office in Polokwane, which will take place at 15:30.