Smith refuses to confirm deputy mayor bid as DA internal process continues

Safety and security mayco member JP Smith.

City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith has denied seeking the position of deputy mayor while confirming that an internal interview process was underway.

Smith took to Facebook on Saturday to respond to an article that made references about his intention to stand as deputy mayor, a position currently held by Eddie Andrews.

The report said Smith was set to be interviewed on Monday for the top position.

“This piece is nothing more than internal politics dressed up as news,” he said, adding that he accepted as a public representative that “this is part of the game”.

“I want to reassure the public, our activists and voters that this isn’t related to the local government elections and I won’t be distracted from the task at hand.”

Smith told the Cape Argus on Sunday he does not discuss any internal political activities with the media as a general principle.

“I see my colleagues do so. That Facebook post really was just to help some of my colleagues understand what was going on. But as for our internal processes, I see some of my colleagues have gone into the habit of briefing journalists to achieve certain outcomes for their internal ambitions, but I don't do so,” he said.

“If other colleagues brief the media to achieve internal benefits, that is not unfortunately something that one can stop because they remain confidential. One does not know who they are, otherwise the party processes will deal with them because those are all violations of our rules, but I certainly won't do it,” said Smith.

Asked if he would take on the challenge if asked to stand for the deputy mayor position, Smith said: “The party is currently running an internal process, and you are correct the interviews are tomorrow. Let's see what that process yields, but it is actually a violation for us to discuss our internal processes. I may not do so. I know some of my colleagues do this so casually that you may not realise that, but it's actually not permissible.”

Smith, who is one of the DA’s three deputy federal chairpersons, also said in his statement they have a crucial election in just less than two weeks’ time.

“I will stay focused on the mammoth task before me as campaign manager and regional chair because Cape Town means more to me than simply a position or a salary.

“I deeply care about our City and what it means for South Africa,” he said.

Smith, who has been the DA's Cape Town metro campaign manager since 2023, said they have been on the campaign trail for 16 months now.

He urged party members to stay focused and not get distracted.

Smith also said their task was to retain the City and fend off any coalition government after the November 4 local government elections.

He further said Cape Town is an example to the rest of the country that South Africa can function and, even better, flourish.

“A working Cape Town gives other metros and towns hope, and that is what I am fighting for.”

“We are ready to save Cape Town from a chaotic coalition and protect a Cape Town that works for all,” he said.

In another post, Smith urged Cape Town voters to make their mark for the DA to keep what he described as the best run city or hand it over to “ANC/EFF/PA Coalition Chaos” and become Joburg.

His statement came as the DA indicated that it wants to win the City with an outright majority so that it does not enter into a coalition.

Last week, the eNCA/MarkData poll predicted the DA will receive 52.6%, up from the recent poll by Ipsos that put their support in Cape Town at 46%.

The DA enjoyed 60% support in the 2021 local government elections.