Phumzile van Damme on Wednesday unexpectedly announced that she had resigned as the national spokesperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA).
In a series of tweets on her verified account, the outspoken Van Damme dismissed speculation of divisions within the DA as reasons for her quitting the job.
Van Damme said she wants to focus on her family and furthering her studies.
“It is true; I have resigned as DA national spokesperson. I remain a member of the party, an MP and the shadow minister of communications. I love the DA, and am committed to building a better future for South Africa with a party I love,” Van Damme tweeted.
“There will no doubt be lots of speculation. I would very much love to excluded from narratives that paint me as a poor woman who was bullied by men as if often the narrative of women in the DA. That’s not who I am, and not what happened.
“I will be focusing on other pursuits. I am a newly wed and would to start a family (no I’m not pregnant). I’ve registered for a part-time long distance Masters [programme]. I want more balance in my life, focusing on fixing the country, as well as me.”
The DA has not yet commented on the matter.
