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Johannesburg – Lindiwe Mazibuko has quit her job as the DA’s parliamentary leader, the Sunday Times reported. Mazibuko, who became parliamentary leader three years ago, made the stunning announcement to the Sunday Times before she had informed party leader Hellen Zille.She was due to break the news of her decision to leave to study at Harvard University in the US to Zille Saturday evening.
Mazibuko’s move comes after her public falling-out with Zille in November last year over the DA parliamentary caucus’s handling of employment equity legislation.
The disagreement led speculation in the party that Mazibuko would be challenged by Zille’s new favourite, DA spokesperson Mmusi Maimane, when fresh elections were held for the position of parliamentary leader soon.
But Mazibuko insisted her decision had nothing to do with her difference with Zille.
“I took the decision in September when, during a visit to Yale University with others pursuing high-profile careers, the value of such a break became clear to me. I had considered it before, and I believe the decision is the right thing at the right time for the DA and for me because it will improve what I can offer the DA politically,” said Mazibuko.
She was expected to be away for a year.
Meanwhile, DA leader Helen Zille on Sunday told eNCA rumours that the party’s spokesperson Mmusi Maimane will replace Lindiwe Mazibuko as parliamentary leader, are unfounded.
Zille earlier in the day said Mazibuko was taking a year-long sabbatical to study in the US.
“She’s been offered a place in perhaps the most prestigious programme in politics anywhere, which is a year masters’ in public administration at Harvard,” she told the SABC.
Maimane also denied claims in a tweet that he was taking over as DA leader in Paliament.
He said he had accepted a seat in Parliament, but added that nothing else had been discussed. – Sapa-News24.
Online Reporter