 |
|
Tony Leon said 13 years in office was the absolute upper limit of effective leadership
|
November 26, 2006, 16:15
Tony Leon, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), said 13 years in office was "the absolute upper limit of effective leadership".
"There is a danger, over time, that no matter how healthy or vigorous the internal workings of an organisation ... the identity and branding of the party will be almost completely absorbed into the identity and personality of its leader," Leon said.
Leon today announced his intentions to step down as party leader. He will, however, hold the fort until the congress in May 2007 when a new leadership will be elected. Leon will remain Member of Parliament until 2009
He emphasised that he had no desire to influence the choice of his successor, and wanted the DA to have ample time to prepare for the election of its next leader.
The party will hold its federal congress in May next year.
Black voters
Leon said: "In the light of my commitment to the party and its internal stability, it was my intention to announce my decision closer to the congress in May 2007. However, speculation has already arisen, prematurely and publicly.
"I have no wish, nor do our party, and its millions of supporters deserve to be involved in debate ... on either my merits or an argument regarding continuance in office."
Asked about its appeal to black voters, Leon said the DA had more black support than two "black" parties with seats in Parliament - the Azanian People's Organisation (Azapo) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).
"South Africa needs to move to the point where people will vote on issues, not identity. We are not at that point. We must and will make sure we make a contribution to that goal," said Leon.
Cosatu pleased
Leon singled out his involvement in helping to write the constitution in 1993 and 1996 as a high point of his career. "I enjoyed it. I now look at certain clauses and I know exactly how they got there," he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomed Leon's announcement, saying he would do best to go.
"Under his leadership the DA has shifted from a liberal ideology to an outright right-wing, conservative stance. He became a shop steward for big business and an enemy of the workers," Patrick Craven, the Cosatu spokesperson, said. - Sapa
|
|
