David Maynier MP says Lindiwe Mazibuko is the right choice in DA Parliamentary Leadership Election

Democratic Alliance member of parliament and shadow minister of defence and military veterans David Maynier has endorsed Lindiwe Mazibuko MP in the election for a new DA Parliamentary Leader, scheduled for October 27, 2011.

The text of his endorsement letter follows:

"Lindiwe Mazibuko is the right choice for the parliamentary caucus, for the DA and for South Africa. It is imperative that, before making a choice, we clearly understand what the job of parliamentary leader entails.

First, the job requires the leader to provide the DA caucus in Parliament with a clear vision, strategy and plan of action.

Second, it is to lead the DA's engagement with the ANC government in Parliament, specifically concerning parliament's two primary functions, which are to legislate and provide oversight of government.

Third, and critically, it is to communicate the DA's vision and policies to the people of South Africa in a manner that is compelling and persuasive.

This last point is critical because the DA's parliamentary leader, and leader of the Official Opposition, is not simply the leader of the 83 members of the DA caucus, but is also leader to the millions of South Africans who elected those members to Parliament. That is why this is not simply an internal election.

It follows from the above that the job is not to manage the DA parliamentary caucus, but to lead it. We are not electing a parliamentary manager - we are electing a parliamentary leader.

To succeed at the job, the leader needs the very qualities that Lindiwe possesses:

• The ability to articulate the DA's vision and policies persuasively 
• The ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and experience both inside and outside the DA caucus 
•  The ability to analyze the political environment with insight and respond in a way that is both consistent with our values and strategically astute 
•  The ability to best the party's critics in debate without being personal or demeaning
•  The strength of character and self-confidence to withstand the often personal attacks of the ANC

Lindiwe Mazibuko embodies all these abilities. She has a searing intellect. She articulates our vision and policies with authority. She is warm. She is cool under fire. She is tough. And she inspires South Africans from all walks of life to gravitate towards the party, including those who have not historically supported it.

She is the best person for the job, pure and simple.

Much has been said about the fact that Lindiwe is a black South African. While it is obviously true that the DA needs greater diversity in our leadership, the fact is that she is the better candidate on merit, without any reference to race. She is more likely to impact on the ANC in parliament and, most importantly, on the voters whose concerns and aspirations we represent.

Much has also been made of her relative "inexperience". This is nonsense. If a political leader is able to articulate a vision, embody a cause and influence people, then she or he has the ability to succeed. Lindiwe's relative lack of experience when she was made party spokesperson was no obstacle to her stellar performance during the recent election campaign. The simple truth is, if you're good enough, you're ready.

That is why I will be supporting Lindiwe Mazibuko  for parliamentary leader on 27 October 2011."

This statement was issued by David Maynier, Democratic Alliance MP, on 18 October 2011.

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