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Tony Leon will make his last official speech today as the leader of the DA
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November 26, 2006, 20:00
Helen Suzman, a former Progressive Party (PP) leader, says in order to have an effect on the country's political future, the Democratic Alliance (DA) probably needs a black leader.
"I will like to see a strong liberal black man in charge. Not a guy who play games with the government, that will be good for South Africa,” said Suzman.
Suzman says Tony Leon's stepping down as the DA leader is a wise decision. "Leadership does require change from now and then, and… to step down in May next year is a good thing for the new leadership to settle in before the congress election," said Suzman.
Leon will step down in May 2007 after leading the party for almost 13 years. Leon said he took this decision in August after careful consideration and intense personal introspection.
Leon to remain MP until 2009
Leon's first job was as an organiser for the PP. In 1986 he was elected to the Johannesburg City Council. Three years later, he was elected to Parliament for the Houghton constituency.
Between 1990 and 1994, he was the chairperson of the Democratic Party's Bill of Rights Commission, an advisor to Codesa and a delegate to the multi-party negotiation process at Kempton Park. In 1994, he was again elected to Parliament and became leader of the DP.
In August Leon told senior members of his party about his decision. They wanted him to continue till the 2009 elections, but Leon says overstaying in office is not healthy. However, Leon will remain an MP until 2009.
Time to change
Leon says the DA needs to engage in constructive debate about its future leadership.
Analysts say the DA has two choices, to remain as is or reach out to other South Africans.
"I think that a choice of Seremane or Zille will indicate a somewhat different attitude or somewhat different image for the DA, whereas with Gibson the DA will send the messages it has been sending," said Steven Freidman, an analyst at Idasa.
Whoever becomes the new leader, Leon has given the assurance that the person will receive his loyal support.
Joe Seremane is the chairperson of the DA, Helen Zille is the mayor of Cape Town and Douglas Gibson is the chief whip of the party.
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