Cape Town - Former Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko will not contest the party leadership in May following Helen Zille’s decision to step down next month.
Mazibuko said on Monday: “I wish to clarify that I will not be making myself available for election to any leadership post at the DA’s 2015 congress. Rather, I will be watching and supporting my friends, colleagues and fellow democrats from across the Atlantic.”
Mazibuko, 35, has been studying at Harvard after she quit as parliamentary leader on May 11 last year.
She said at the time her decision to leave had nothing to do with differences in the party, and indicated that it was temporary.
"I remain deeply and fundamentally committed to my country, South Africa, and to a life of public service," she said.
"I believe that I have much to contribute to the project of building a better country for all our people, and I remain committed to the Democratic Alliance as the only political organisation that can lead South Africa to a prosperous future.
"When the time is right, I will make myself available for whichever position I believe will enable me to best make a contribution towards building a better South Africa. That time, however, is not now."
ANA