DA Mpumalanga MPL resigns

James Masango in this file picture. Picture: Shayne Robinson.

James Masango in this file picture. Picture: Shayne Robinson.

Published Aug 2, 2015

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Cape Town – Democratic Alliance Mpumalanga MPL Anthony Benadie resigned his position in the legislature with immediate effect on Sunday.

“I regret to announce today [Sunday] my resignation as a DA member of the Mpumalanga provincial legislature. I further regret to announce that I will not take up a seat in Parliament,” he said in a statement.

Benadie said his decision followed the declared intention of DA Mpumalanga provincial leader James Masango to serve in the Mpumalanga legislature.

As a consequence, Benadie would be requested to serve in the National Assembly in Parliament.

“I have had to consider this proposition very carefully as a move to the National Assembly would have far reaching personal implications for my family and I.”

He had spent the past months thinking intensely about this situation and after deep introspection, thorough consideration, and hours of discussions with his family, decided not to take up a seat in the National Assembly at this stage.

“While I remain absolutely committed to the DA project and our desire to make Vision 2029 a reality I have had to decide between Parliament and my family.

“At this stage of my life I don’t believe the lifestyle and routine of a Member of Parliament will be conducive to our family.”

Benadie said this was the reason why he had never applied to be an MP and would prefer to serve as a member of the provincial legislature.

“However I also understand and accept the desire and intention of the provincial leader to return to the provincial legislature and I have no desire to hamper his intentions.

“In the interest of the DA and to assist in achieving progress in this matter, I will therefore step down as a member of the provincial legislature with immediate effect.”

He had submitted a proposal to the DA federal and provincial leadership that would allow him to continue contributing to the DA’s cause, albeit in a different capacity.

Benadie thanked the DA, the party leadership, the legislature as an institution, and every colleague with whom he had worked over the past 15 years, for the confidence they had had in him.

ANA

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