DA welcomes Ebrahim Sawant

1 May 2014

I am delighted to welcome Ebrahim Sawant into our ranks.

Mr Sawant is a teacher and leader in the Muslim community of the Western Cape. He became actively involved in politics in the late 60's and joined the UDF and ANC in the 80's.

After 1994, he served as a chairperson and councillor of the ANC. He was also the treasurer and deputy chairperson of the ANC in Cape Town.

In 2008 he resigned from council as well as the ANC. His resignation at the time was out of principle, refusing to serve an organisation led by Jacob Zuma.

After this, he was a founder-member of COPE but resigned after it became apparent that the organisation was not able to resolve their leadership issues.

For the last three years, mr. Sawant has been teaching in Mitchells Plain and serving as Chairperson of the Muslim Community of Kuils River.

Mr. Sawant says: "Although I find teaching extremely rewarding and despite the many disappointments I have faced on the political front in the past, I can't help but feel a higher sense of purpose and the need to make a difference on a larger scale. I feel obligated to stand up and make a difference".

He has now made the decision to join as a DA member with the aim of making a difference in his community. He believes that his previous political experience together with his burning need to serve people, will be what drives him to ensure that he makes a difference as a member of the DA.

The DA is glad that mr. Sawant has joined our effort to build a shared future in the Western Cape. More and more people are joining the DA because they realise that we are the only party that can stop corruption and restore Madiba's vision of economic opportunity for all.

Statement issued by Shahid Esau: DA Leader of Athlone Constituency, Cape Town, May 1 2014

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