INLSA

The DA's new Leader of the Opposition, Lindiwe Mazibuko

The real test starts now for Lindiwe Mazibuko, the newly elected DA Parliamentary caucus leader, according to independent political analyst Daniel Silke.

Speaking to the Cape Argus after Mazibuko’s election on Thursday, Silke said the jury was still out on whether she had the “political gravitas” to confront the ANC on critical matters of national importance in Parliament.

He said while Mazibuko’s election was significant for the DA, the big test was still to come. “This is a critical step for the DA to win more black votes in 2014 and 2019,” said Silke.

He said caucus members knew that voting for Mazibuko would help to broaden the party’s support base before the 2014 general elections.

“The biggest challenge for Lindiwe will be to perform in Parliament,” said Silke.

“She has been built up by the DA and her publicity people over the past few months. Everyone’s eyes will be on her.”

Silke said the new leader would face detailed and tough scrutiny from the press, the ANC and the public.

“She’s going to be analysed like no other DA leader before her.”

Mazibuko was up against Athol Trollip, who had been at the helm of the DA in Parliament since 2009.

A total of 81 caucus members voted. Mazibuko is said to have received the bulk of the votes.

DA leader Helen Zille refused to reveal the final outcome of the vote, which is believed to have been 50 to 31 in favour of Mazibuko.

At a press conference after the vote, Zille said it was against DA policy to reveal the winning margins before caucus members had been officially informed.

“The winner has been made known and that’s what matters,” said Zille.

Mazibuko won’t be making any changes to her shadow cabinet.

“Between now and the end of the year the shadow cabinet will remain in tact,” said Mazibuko.

Wilmot James was elected caucus chairman and Watty Watson was appointed chief whip.

Trollip, who left Cape Town to be with his wife on her 50th birthday after the votes were tallied, congratulated Mazibuko and said he would remain an MP until 2014, and after that, if he was elected to serve.

He said he would go wherever the DA leadership wanted him and would discuss his future position in Parliament with Mazibuko.

“All I want now is to go home and be with my family,” he said.

James said he was excited about the DAs future.

“These are exciting times. The start of a new era.”

clayton.barnes@inl.co.za - Cape Argus