In the upcoming election for the Parliamentary Leader of the DA I think Athol Trollip should be given the opportunity to continue his good work in his role as parliamentary leader. Nobody has ever complained about this performance which should be the only reason that any person could be removed.
Athol Trollip is well-known as a competent and strong leader, he represents all races, he speaks all the languages, he understands al the cultures. He has an intimate knowledge and understanding of all communities in his province.
In terms of attraction of the black vote, we as black people of the Eastern Cape are in this party because of him. I was welcomed by him to this party; he mentored me to be a good councillor and to be a good MPL.
I grew my black constituency with him; we travelled together in his car to all the deep rural areas of the former Transkei. We established branches in places like Mount Frere, Mount Ayliff and Port St John's together. Where ever I went people would ask me to bring him to the next meeting because his speeches and motivation to join the DA resonated with them.
No other leader in this party has ever set their foot in my constituency, the Transkei rural areas either for establishing a branch or campaigning for elections except Athol Trollip.
He is the one who inspires black people to join the DA. He speaks their language and understands their issues.
I also believe that transformation should not mean removing good people, it should be done progressively. "Fit for purpose" is the DA's motto, therefore it should not be superseded by transformation.
We as black people in the DA would not like to see ourselves set up for failure because we have to be propelled into positions for the sake of changing the face of the party. We want to learn, grow and lead.
Therefore I endorse Athol Trollip, he must continue with his good work of debating constructively with the president and unifying the opposition in parliament.
Statement issued by Veliswa Mvenya (MPL) DA Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, October 19 2011
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