Media reports have been clogging up internet with news that Lindiwe Mazibuko has become the new parliamentary leader of the DA. Mazibuko, who hails from Swaziland and was raised in Durban, went up against Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip for his parliamentary leadership seat, at the parliamentary mid-term elections yesterday. Grocott's Mail spoke briefly to Helen Zille on her thoughts about Mazibuko as the new parliamentary leader:
Grocott's Mail: Lindiwe Mazibuko has just been voted in as the new DA parliamentary leader. What does this mean for the ordinary lives of South African citizens and what impact does it have on mainstream politics?
Helen Zille: Lindiwe’s victory will ensure that everyone sees the DA as a party that is not only in opposition, but has a real chance of winning more elections and being the government. This will have a huge impact on everyone’s lives because the DA’s policies are much better to grow the economy, create employment and reduce poverty.
GM: What will the DA gain with Mazibuko in the seat as parliamentary leader?
HZ: Lindi is a brilliant debater and public speaker. The DA gains someone who can use the Parliament as a platform to speak to the nation on all our policies. She also enables people to see that the DA is a party for all the people.
GM: Has the leadership contest for the position sowed any divisions in the party?
HZ: Elections are always tense. But when an election is over in the Democratic Alliance, we heal any wounds that may have been opened, and move on.
GM: Media reports state that you also voted in the elections. Please confirm and if you voted for Mazibuko.
HZ: Yes, I am a full and equal member of the caucus and I certainly voted, but I do not intend to make my choice public.
Media reports have been clogging up internet with news that Lindiwe Mazibuko has become the new parliamentary leader of the DA. Mazibuko, who hails from Swaziland and was raised in Durban, went up against Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip for his parliamentary leadership seat, at the parliamentary mid-term elections yesterday. Grocott's Mail spoke briefly to Helen Zille on her thoughts about Mazibuko as the new parliamentary leader:
Grocott's Mail: Lindiwe Mazibuko has just been voted in as the new DA parliamentary leader. What does this mean for the ordinary lives of South African citizens and what impact does it have on mainstream politics?
Helen Zille: Lindiwe’s victory will ensure that everyone sees the DA as a party that is not only in opposition, but has a real chance of winning more elections and being the government. This will have a huge impact on everyone’s lives because the DA’s policies are much better to grow the economy, create employment and reduce poverty.
GM: What will the DA gain with Mazibuko in the seat as parliamentary leader?
HZ: Lindi is a brilliant debater and public speaker. The DA gains someone who can use the Parliament as a platform to speak to the nation on all our policies. She also enables people to see that the DA is a party for all the people.
GM: Has the leadership contest for the position sowed any divisions in the party?
HZ: Elections are always tense. But when an election is over in the Democratic Alliance, we heal any wounds that may have been opened, and move on.
GM: Media reports state that you also voted in the elections. Please confirm and if you voted for Mazibuko.
HZ: Yes, I am a full and equal member of the caucus and I certainly voted, but I do not intend to make my choice public.
