"Three more endorsements for Lindiwe Mazibuko MP as DA parliamentary leader"

Today, three more Members of Parliament have endorsed Lindiwe Mazibuko, Wilmot James and Watty Watson in their campaign for the Democratic Alliance parliamentary leadership.

Joe McGluwa MP - Parliamentary Leader of the ID, Lance Greyling MP - ID Chief Whip in the National Assembly and John Gunda MP - ID Northern Cape delegate to the NCOP have endorsed the team in the statements below:

Joe McGluwa MP, Parliamentary Leader of the ID

The DA Parliamentary leadership election represents a chance to bridge divides in the party and take the DA in a new direction, to become a true political alternative for all South Africans. It is important that this is seen as a process of healthy internal democracy.

Over the past few years I have worked with the most senior members of the DA to ensure that South Africa moves beyond the question of race and towards issues of delivery for all.

One of those leaders is Athol Trollip, for whom I have the greatest respect.

That said, in the time I have spent with Lindiwe Mazibuko it has become clear to me that she is the right person to captain this ship into the future. As Parliamentary Leader it will be up to her to build upon the powerful foundation of leadership that Tony Leon, Helen Zille and Athol Trollip have laid.

Lance Greyling MP, ID Chief Whip in the National Assembly

I have decided to endorse the candidacy of Lindiwe Mazibuko, and her running mates Wilmot James and Watty Watson, in the DA's upcoming parliamentary elections.

I have worked closely with Athol Trollip over the past year and I have come to respect his leadership abilities immensely.

To my mind though, this election is not about two individuals but rather, it is about the bigger issue of the direction in which the DA needs to move in order to capitalise on the growing number of disillusioned ANC voters who are desperate for a political alternative.

The election of Lindiwe and her team to the parliamentary leadership will see the right mix of energy, experience and ability that I believe will be able to drive forward the vision of the DA with renewed vigour, and allow the party to attract many new voters, especially amongst the youth.

Although this is a secret ballot, this is not a secret election and its ramifications will be felt way beyond the parliamentary caucus and have an impact on the broader political landscape. In the past few days I have been approached by a number of South Africans, predominantly young people, who are excited by what Lindiwe's candidacy represents and strongly believe that this is a step that needs to be taken by the DA.  I therefore hope that the parliamentary caucus will get behind Lindiwe and her team and I look forward to this exciting new chapter in our country's democracy.

John Gunda MP, ID Northern Cape delegate to the NCOP

It is clear to me that Lindiwe Mazibuko - together with her team of Wilmot James and Watty Watson - is the best choice to lead the DA in Parliament.

I serve as a Northern Cape delegate to the NCOP where Watty Watson is the leader of the DA, and I support him as candidate for Chief Whip in Parliament. In addition, I think that Wilmot James is an excellent choice for Caucus Chairperson. Together, Lindiwe and her team represent the best leadership team for the official opposition in parliament.

Statement issued by Martin Slabbert of HWB Communications (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Lindiwe Mazibuko MP, October 12 2011

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