"Three more endorsements for Mazibuko as new DA Parliamentary Leader"

Three Democratic Alliance (DA) Members of Parliament have today endorsed Lindiwe Mazibuko MP as their preferred candidate to be the new Parliamentary Leader of the DA. The party's parliamentary caucus will vote on its new leadership this Thursday, October 27, 2011.The text of the endorsements follow:

"Dianne Kohler-Barnard MP - Shadow Minister of Police

I was privileged to work with Lindiwe for five years as she rose through the ranks of our Parliamentary communications structure, and such was her brilliance and inherent grasp of our policies that it was obvious that she should stand as a Member of Parliament.  She is no newcomer, and her years of work on our myriad portfolios ensured her ability to represent us flawlessly as the National Spokesperson.  We have had fine administrators running the DA Parliamentary Caucus, but the time has come for us to be led by a political visionary, and Lindiwe Mazibuko is that person.  I am 100% behind her."

Mike Waters MP - Shadow Minister of Health

"We believe strongly in the Open Opportunity society for All, and we apply that vision internally, so an MP's worth is not determined on who they know or how old they are or what colour their skin may be. Their success depends on an their competencies and capabilities. Lindiwe demonstrated during the recent local government election - when she served as our national spokesperson - that she is more than capable of leading the DA caucus in parliament. She not only performed excellently in this position, but she personally demonstrated what the Open Opportunity Society is within the DA. As she did during the election campaign,  we have no doubt she will exceed all expectations as our caucus leader.  This is a golden opportunity for the DA to demonstrate that we live our vision."

Emmah More MP - Deputy Shadow Minister of Health

"Lindiwe is an intelligent, capable leader who has proven herself on the national political stage as the party's spokesperson. I believe she will make an excellent leader of the opposition in Parliament. Through her political work she has shown that she will be critical to our goal of winning Gauteng province in 2014 and has embodied the Open Opportunity Society for All in everything she has done. Because we believe in an Open Opportunity Society for All we need to demonstrate internally that people who are capable are promoted to leadership positions. To help make this happen, on Thursday I will be voting for a young, vibrant leader with a proven track record: Lindiwe Mazibuko."

Statement issued by Martin Slabbert of HWB Communications (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, October 24 2011

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