Mainane: 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.
Maimane: 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.
Maimane: 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.
Maimane: 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.
Maimane: I wish the DA success. I also wish Helen Zille as Federal Chairman good luck. (Zille stands behind Maimane as he makes his announcement).
Maimane: 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.
Maimane shuts down.
Trollip: It’s a very sad day for me. I supported the party and its predecessors. When we formed the DA, we wanted to build a party for all South Africans.
Trollip: The highlight of my career was being named Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay. In my term, I have put in place policies that have made a profound difference in people’s lives.
Trollip: In May 2019, we did not have an acceptable election. We stepped backwards. I said we should take collective responsibility.
Trollip: I want to thank the panel that did the review report. Everyone thought the DA was going to tear up, but that’s not what happened. We made mistakes and disappointed our voters. The report made findings about the leadership of our party.
Trollip: The review panel made certain recommendations about Mmusi. My name was not mentioned, but I have to take responsibility. I believe the DA is worth it. I also recently said there is a time to come and a time to go. I realized that week is probably my time.
Trollip: I joined the party voluntarily. I believe new leadership will emerge. They must, because the ANC is neglecting South Africans. He denies, but the DA knows he made mistakes.
Trollip: We showed where the DA rules, they rule well. I wish everyone in the DA the best. Don’t turn your back on the only party that can save South Africa.
Zille: What happened today was a shock to members of the federal council. We wanted Maimane and Trollip to stay at least until the next congress.
Zille: After making requests, Mmusi and Athol went to talk to their families. It is with great sadness that the federal executive has adopted its decision.
Zille: We have a challenging road ahead. Everyone knows the history of my support for Mmusi. We have had our differences at times, but it’s not uncommon. It never affected my respect for him.
Zille: Athol and I worked together for years on democracy. Mmusi is still young and has a long career ahead of him. I hope our friendship and debates will continue.
Zille: People will want to know what’s going to happen now. If our leader resigns, the federal chairman will take over as party leader. He (Trollip) has also resigned. We will seek legal advice to determine how we will appoint a new leader. We will talk about it on Thursday.
Zille: Mmusi, Athol and I all contributed. I know until the day of our death we will work on one South Africa for everyone. We thank Mmusi and Athol for their cooperation. Thank you.
