By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 February 2026- The Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile has been elected as the Democratic Alliance’s Provincial Leader over the weekend. This comes after the DA in North West held its Provincial Elective Conference in Potchefstroom.
Sonakile thanked those who elected him. He said they showed that they have confidence and trust in him.
“Thank you for giving me the honour of leading this great movement in the North West. Today is not a personal victory, but it is a victory for unity. It is a victory for renewal. It is a victory for every activist who knocks on doors, every councillor who serves their community and every member who believes that this province deserves better.
“I accept this responsibility with humility, determination, and a deep sense of duty. The DA in the North West is at a turning point. We have grown, we have survived difficult moments and we have built strong foundations in municipalities and communities,” said Sonakile.
He further said that now, they must move from growth to breakthrough. Sonakile added that they need to move from opposition to governance.
“We need to move from potential to power. We are no longer a small party with big dreams. We are a serious political force and we must start acting like one by listening to our people. Over the past months, I have engaged intensively with our members in this province.
“I listened to branches, councillors and to activists. And one message came through clearly was, our leaders must be more visible. Our structures need stronger support. We must prepare earlier and better for elections. These were not complaints, but they were a call to action. Today, I stand before you to say, I have heard you and I will act,” he said.
Sonakile said he believes leadership is not about titles, but it is about service. He said it is about humility, it is about presence.
“So, as a Provincial Leader, I will not lead from an office. I will lead from the ground. I will put the suit aside and wear khaki with our farmers. Stand shoulder to shoulder with activists in our townships. Respect and engage our traditional leaders. Walk our villages and informal settlements.
“Leadership that is not visible is not leadership at all, that is how trust is built. That is how the DA becomes real to people. Let me be clear: I will not lead alone. I am proud to work alongside my Deputy Provincial Leader. We will function as one leadership team,” said Sonakile.
He commits to hands-on political work across this province. Sonakile said he will delegate clear political responsibilities to his Deputy, so that their agenda is understood everywhere.
“Because I cannot be everywhere, but together, we can be everywhere. We will ensure that our messaging is consistent. That our priorities are clear, that our branches are supported, that our councillors are defended and strengthened.
“This will be a leadership of teamwork, not ego. Fellow Democrats, Let us be honest about where we are. In the North West today, we have four hung municipalities. That is not weakness, but opportunity,” he said.
Sonakile said it means voters are open to change. He said it means no party has a monopoly.
“It means power is within reach. We also know JB Marks is within striking distance. Winning it outright is possible. But, let me be honest, it will not happen by chance. It will not happen by luck. It will only happen through hard work.
“Through door-to-door campaigns. Through community presence. Through disciplined organisation. Through strong candidates. Through united structures. That is the work we start now,” said Sonakile.
Picture: MPL in North West Provincial Legislature and DA Provincial Leader, Freddy Sonakile
The Guardian 