Warning against Maimane in DA's hot seat

A RESPECTED political commentator has warned the DA to think long and hard when it comes to replacing opposition parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko.

Could I Vote DA author Eusebius McKaiser told students and academics at the annual Rhodes University Teach-In on Friday that DA leader Helen Zille's support for the party's national spokesman Mmusi Maimane to fill the hot seat was misplaced. "It is bad for democracy, it is bad for Mmusi Maimane and bad for the DA. It is not ideal to have a novice in parliament."

According to McKaiser, Maimane – who was the DA candidate for Gauteng premier in the election – lacked any real political experience. "Maimane has spent just one day in parliament."

McKaiser said Mazibuko's shock decision after the recent national elections to take a year's break to study abroad at Harvard University had disrupted DA continuity in parliament.

Maimane recently accepted nomination for the position, which will be decided next week - David Macgregor