FAMOUS mlungu Christopher Pappas, who is the mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality in KZN, has been announced as DA KZN premier candidate for the 2024 general elections.
The 32-year-old from Howick in KZN, who is fluent in Zulu, was announced as a candidate by DA federal leader John Steenhuisen at the Durban City Hall on Monday, 25 September 2023.
Pappas made history in 2021 when he became the first DA mayor in KZN, making political history. This is because uMngeni is the only municipality in KZN in the hands of the DA.
Steenhuisen said they came to KZN to light the candles to show the province it was possible to liberate itself from the hands of the ANC and give power back to the people where it belongs.
“There is one person leading the municipality in this province. People are getting jobs and the economy is moving forward.
“None of these would be possible unless it is being led by the individual of the highest integrity, a son of our soil, who eats, breathes and sleeps with his community. We understand how much you need to show that you care for people, somebody who is able to transcend race, transcend language barriers and be able to move South African together as one, as we all know South Africa belongs to all who are living in it,” he said.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Queen shows Zulu King uthando
Steenhuisen said to rescue and liberate KZN from the decline, corruption, maladministration as well as the hunger and the suffering, they were offering a candidate that they know can get things done.
Pappas said he was honoured to have been selected by the DA as premier Candidate to carry a message of hope across KZN.
“My presence here is a result of the democratic political freedom won 30 years ago. Regardless of my identity, age, race, gender, sexuality, rural upbringings, I stand before you ready to serve.
“But this political freedom that many have dedicated and lost their lives for must lead to opportunity, respect diversity, and ensure fairness. We must work harder than ever before to overcome our past which sought to separate people according to the colour of their skin. We can no longer shy away from the urgency to serve our province from the rapid decline of the past 10 years,” he said.
