The DA’s parliamentary caucus wants to appoint a permanent replacement for Mmusi Maimane as party leader in parliament next Tuesday.
Maimane unexpectedly announced on Thursday morning that he would also resign as DA member and parliamentary leader after resigning as party leader on Wednesday.
Chairwoman Annelie Lotriet confirmed after a caucus meeting on Thursday morning that she was appointed to the new permanent leader in parliament and will temporarily fulfill that role as a caucus chairperson for the DA.
According to Lotriet, the caucus requested her to ask the party’s federal council for the election of the permanent leader on Tuesday. If not, it will take place next Thursday, she says.
Lotriet confirmed that John Steenhuisen, former DA chief whip, had also expired because it was linked to Maimane’s post as a parliamentary leader. Jacques Julius, deputy chief whip, will meanwhile be the party’s interim chief whip until a new permanent whip is announced.
Maimane said yesterday:
Zille’s tweet did not instill confidence between white and black South Africans. Over the past few months, it has become clear that there are people who disagree with me. Over the past few months, there has been an attack on my leadership to make sure my leadership fails.
A campaign has been launched against me in the Afrikaans daily newspapers. Fellow South Africans, at the end of the day, the DA was a vehicle to preserve the vision. I am still committed to that vision.
The dream has always been to build one united and prosperous South Africa for everyone. There comes a time when leaders need to step back and look at what the future holds. The past few days, I did.
The DA may not be the right vehicle to achieve that vision. It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation. I will serve as its parliamentary leader until the end of the year.
I wish the DA success. I also wish Helen Zille as Federal Chairman good luck. (Zille stands behind Maimane as he makes his announcement).
I want to thank my wife and my parents. They suffered severely from apartheid and still did not teach us racism. They paid the price to see to it that I got my education. My wife was always there. We’re not going to step away from politics. We will continue our vision of one South Africa for all.
