DA Member Comments On Mmusi Maimane’s Resignation. Former Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has announced his resignation as the leader of the party at the press conference on Wednesday.
Former Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has announced his resignation as the leader of the party at the press conference on Wednesday. In his speech he stated that he advocated for more black South Africans and women to be elected at the party. He says this was part of assisting the party into being diverse.
“In internal elections and our list process, I advocated for more black South Africans, more women, and for greater language and cultural diversity. This was not picking one race or gender over another. Rather, it was aiding the journey towards a truly diverse party,” says Mmusi Maimane. He also stated that he was being undermined by some of the members of the party as the leader of the Democratic Alliance. “There has been for several months a consistent and coordinated attempt to undermine my leadership and ensure that this project failed, or I failed.”
One of the party’s members, Gwen Ngwenya, commented on what the former leader said. The member says the former leader is the outcome of a party for all. “Maimane speaks as though he was the first black person to join the DA, and the first one to encourage diversity. He is the product of a party that cares about being a party for all. I joined in 2008. Many black people who joined before him will stay to see that project through,” says Gwen Ngwenya.
Mmusi Maimane was supposed to stay as the leader in parliament till the year ends but he announced on Thursday that he has officially resigned from the party and parliament. “I have worked tirelessly to build the project of One SA for All. It’s been my greatest honour to serve the people of SA and will continue to do so. I have today resigned from the DA and Parliament. Thank you to the people of this country for faith in our nation,” says Mmusi Maimane.
by Alexandra Ramaite
