"DA Parliamentary Leader: Two more senior MPs endorse Mazibuko as candidate"
Today, two more Democratic Alliance (DA) Members of Parliament publicly endorsed Lindiwe Mazibuko's decision to run for the position of Leader of the Opposition in an internal election scheduled for 27 October 2011.
Stevens Mokgalapa MP and Natasha Michaels MP are both from Pretoria. Natasha is the Deputy Chair of the DA's Federal Council and Shadow Minister of Communications, and Stevens is the Deputy Shadow Minister of International Relations and a member of the Federal Executive.
Their endorsements follow below.
Natasha Michael MP's endorsement of Lindiwe Mazibuko:
"I am very excited that Lindiwe Mazibuko is intending to stand as the Leader of the DA in Parliament.
I have been a member of the DA since its formation. In my 15 years of active politics, 11 of which have been in public office, I have rarely come across a leader like Lindiwe. Highly intelligent and eloquent, Lindiwe has compassion for people and a passion for the future of South Africa. She has a unique ability to connect and understand the needs of ALL South Africans.
I worked closely with her during the local government elections of 2011 and was constantly amazed at her energy, determination and passion to improve the lives of South Africans. As a colleague of Lindiwe in the National Assembly, I have watched her take on the highest powers in government without fear, but always with respect. She has spoken out on issues that were considered taboo and challenged discriminatory social norms. In debates, I have seen her take insults with elegance and compliments with humility.
On the 27th of October I will be voting for Lindiwe Mazibuko to be my leader in Parliament. She has chosen Watty Watson MP and Dr Wilmot James MP to form part of her leadership team - I have the world of respect for them both and I am thrilled at the prospect of this team the caucus forward."
Stevens Mokgalapa MP's endorsement of Lindiwe Mazibuko:
"I am pleased to endorse Lindiwe Mazibuko's nomination as the leader of the DA caucus in Parliament.
Lindiwe represents a new, modern dynamic young South Africa. I have seen way she inspires young people across the country. She will be a leader who will be able to grow the DA into new markets by attracting non-traditional voters in 2014 and beyond.
The DA is fortunate to be producing leaders of Lindiwe's quality. She is an astute public speaker who is articulate and assertive and has plenty of ideas that are needed to take the party forward. I have been impressed by how well-acquainted she is with the party's principles and policies. Lindiwe is the best leader for our caucus - I do not doubt her ability to lead the DA caucus through the important challenges that lie ahead.
I have been a member of the DA for 12 years and have served with many impressive leaders. I see something fresh and new in Lindiwe, however, and look forward to working with her as Leader of the Opposition."
Statement issued by Martin Slabbert HWB Communications (Ptd) Ltd on behalf of Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, October 6 2011
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
