Johannesburg – DA Gauteng leader Jack Bloom and party spokesperson Mmusi Maimane will vie for selection as the party’s preferred candidate for premier, it was announced on Wednesday.

“Coming from a background of business and the non-government sector, I know I can do the job,” Maimane said on Wednesday in announcing his intention to stand, just a day after Bloom did the same.

“Speaking to the society about what it really needs is key,” said Maimane.

He said people needed jobs, and there was also a need to help small businesses grow.

“There might be me and Bloom or a whole lot of other people too who join the race by midnight,” he said.

Bloom said the DA was open regarding the nomination of candidates.

“This is how the DA does things… our process should be an example to other parties. May the best one win.”

DA members had until midnight on Wednesday to submit their candidacy.

The preferred candidate would be announced on 9 August, said Bloom.

– SAPA