On Wednesday, October 24, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Executive (FedEx) was informed of the intentions of its federal leader, Mr Mmusi Maimane, and Federal chairperson, Mr Athol Trollip, to resign from their positions.

The party would like to thank Mr Maimane and Mr Trollip for their services to the party itself, and the country as a whole.

The DA is committed not to allow internal or external issues to derail the Democratic Project, as no time can be wasted in working towards an inclusive, prosperous democracy. To this end, strong and stable leadership in the DA is crucial.

FedEx convened on Thursday morning to study the legal opinion by the DA Federal Legal Commission on the process required to fill the leadership vacancies in a manner that does not undermine the Federal Constitution nor negatively affect the party’s political operations.

The FLC is mandated to, inter-alia, interpret the Federal Constitution.

In terms of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Leader is deputised by the Federal chairperson, but the Federal Constitution remains mum about the current situation where both positions have become vacant simultaneously.

Upon the advice of the FLC, the following steps will be followed:

• The Federal Council (FedCo) will convene as soon as practically possible

• FedCo will elect an Interim Federal leader and an Interim Federal chairperson

• A Federal Congress will be convened as soon as practically possible, with a provisional target of April 2020.

The DA’s political and operational structures have already begun with the implementation of these steps and wish to reassure DA members, voters and the South Africans public at large that the party will continue to execute its mandate of effective and constructive opposition. Additionally, the party will continue to improve the quality of its governance in the Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

FedEx has also noted the developments in the Parliamentary Caucus, the decisions and actions of which will be communicated by the Interim Parliamentary Caucus Leadership. The party would like to thank its members and supporters for their support during this difficult period.

The DA remains committed to its values of Freedom, Fairness, Opportunity and Diversity.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink