Remembering Watty Watson

12 October 2014

The Democratic Alliance is bereft at the news of the passing of former Chief Whip and party stalwart, Armiston "Watty" Watson in the early hours of this morning.

Watty served as an elected public representative in a remarkable political career spanning many decades. Most recently, he was the leader of the DA in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) until his selection as the Chief Whip of the Official Opposition in the National Assembly on October 2011, a position he held until his retirement at the 2014 General Election.

Watty cared deeply about South Africa and worked tirelessly to bring justice and progress to the people of his beloved province Mpumalanga and South Africa. His deep commitment to improving the lives of his fellow men and women was always his  driving motivation. He gave expression to a deeply felt altruism through elected office and many public-spirited endeavours, of which his involvement in and leadership of the Freemasons had great and endearing meaning.

Watty was always proud of his family and was completely devoted to his wife Madeleine, his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadfully sad time as they mourn the passing of the mainstay of their family.

Watty leaves behind a legacy of commitment, service and dedication which will shine as a beacon for generations of DA activists and public representatives to come. 

It was my great privilege and honour to have worked with Watty in the DA Parliamentary Caucus when he was Chief Whip, Lindiwe Mazibuko Leader and I Chairperson. Watty was a mensch and we will miss him greatly.

Statement issued by Wilmot James MP, Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, October 12 2014

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