"Current DA Caucus Chairpersons endorse Mazibuko as new Parliamentary Leader"

Please find below statements by the current DA parliamentary caucus chairperson, James Masango MP and deputy chairperson, Marti Wenger MP.

Mr Masango and Ms Wenger have chaired the DA caucus in Parliament for the past two and half years and have decided to support Lindiwe Mazibuko for Parliamentary Leader in this month's election.

Their respective motivations for their support of Ms Mazibuko follow below.

James Masango, MP, Chair of DA Parliamentary Caucus:

It is time for change. That is why I will be supporting Lindiwe Mazibuko for the position of Parliamentary Leader on the 27th of October 2011. Lindiwe is a dynamic leader and has proven herself as an MP in Parliament, as well as National Spokesperson, especially during the 2011 local government election.

We have a very important decision to make about the future of our party on the 27th of October 2011. The decision about who should lead our caucus should not be taken lightly: the result of this election will set the stage for our party's performance in 2014 and beyond. This is therefore a critical moment for the DA and for South Africa. And we need a new parliamentary leader who is right for the moment.

That parliamentary leader must be able to take our caucus to a new level in Parliament. And Lindiwe is the person to make our caucus the centre of vote winning and growth in the DA. Lindiwe can make that growth a reality: growth that wins more elections and results in our party governing in more provinces and municipalities; and most importantly growth that results in a much larger caucus, where there is space for all, in 2014.

I've seen Lindiwe connect with South Africans from every walk of life, especially in my constituency during the election campaign. She is a person who brings people together with her words. That's what the DA needs, that's what South Africa needs. I have no doubt that Lindiwe Mazibuko is "fit for purpose" and would make an outstanding Parliamentary Leader. It is now time to walk the talk.

Marti Wenger, MP, Deputy Chair of DA Parliamentary Caucus, Former Executive Mayor of Midvaal Municipality:

The announcement by Lindiwe Mazibuko that she will be standing for the position of DA Parliamentary Leader, is exactly what the party needs in Parliament. Lindiwe and her formidable team of Dr Wilmot

James and Mr Watty Watson have the knowledge, talent and leadership skills to bring the caucus to its full potential.

Wherever Lindiwe goes, she inspires and gives hope. During the municipal election campaign earlier this year, in spite of her extremely demanding schedule, Lindiwe made time to come to Midvaal and assist the team in canvassing door to door. Doors in Sicelo and Meyerton opened to Lindiwe and she was greeted with recognition and joy. Lindiwe's intelligence and grace has made her a role-model to both young and old across South Africa, reaching as far as rural Gauteng.

As a colleague, I hold her in the highest regard. She is dedicated, pays attention to detail and never shies away from hard work. She brings depth of analysis and considered opinions to the caucus - her redoubtable qualities make her the best choice to lead us. That is why I will be supporting Lindiwe Mazibuko for Parliamentary Leader on 27 October 2011.

Statements issued by Martin Slabbert, HWB Communications (Pty) Ltd, on behalf of Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, October 4 2011

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