While the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Lindiwe Mazibuko announced that she will be quitting her position as the DA’s parliamentary leader, Northsiders have mixed reactions to this announcement.
Just three days after the general elections, Mazibuko announced that she will be leaving the country to pursue her studies at Havard University in the United States.
Some residents questioned the timing of her announcement. “If she is going to America to further her studies, then leaving the DA must have been in the pipeline for sometime already. Lindiwe Mazibuko you are going to be missed for the role you fulfilled in the DA. Wish you well,” said Lillian Smit.
Another resident Ferosa Lee said, “I hope she comes back from her studies and makes the DA even stronger.”
Founding member of Ruimsig North Home Owner’s Association Johann Wassermann said, “It is not any good for any organisation to loose a leadership member of her calibre, but kudos to the DA for delaying the announcement until after elections”.
It is, however, perhaps a good thing for the DA that she is leaving, even if temporarily, if it is true that she didn’t enjoy support of the black faction of the DA – jealousy perhaps? As the official opposition and having made some gains in votes percentages the DA, and more so the country as a whole, can all afford an ANC or Cope type of support dilution or another Agang-like disturbance,” Wassermann added.
Mazibuko will be away from the country for a year and will be studying toward a master’s in public administration which is described as the most prestigious programme in politics anywhere. She served as the DA’s parliamentary leader for three years. The 32-year-old was the fourth youngest parliamentarian and also the youngest black leader in the DA.
