Durban - “Lies” peddled in the media about DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko hurt her family, her mother, June Mazibuko, said on Monday.
There has been speculation that Mazibuko quit her position because of a breakdown in relations between her and party leader Helen Zille. But
speaking to The Mercury on Monday, Lindiwe’s Durban-based mother, June, said her daughter had taken a decision a year ago to take a break from politics.
She will further her studies at Harvard University in the US where she has enrolled for a public management course.
June said her daughter, who started preparing to leave the country in August last year, did not want to reveal her plans before the elections to protect the DA. She said Lindiwe, who would leave South Africa at the end of next month, had never had hard feelings towards Zille as she respected her views.
“It is hurtful to read lies about my child. Lindiwe never quarrelled with Helen. They have a good relationship,” June said.
She was reacting to speculation that her daughter had chosen to leave politics after Zille had decided DA spokesman Mmusi Maimane would replace her as the party’s parliamentary leader. There was also talk that the relationship between the two had broken down after Zille had approached AgangSA leader Mamphela Ramphele to lead the DA during the polls.
Political analyst Somadoda Fikeni said on radio on Monday that the fact that Lindiwe had broken the news of her departure to the media before telling her party leader was an indication something was amiss between them.
However, June said the relationship between Zille and Lindiwe was still intact. Zille also denied allegations of tension between the two.
June said she and her daughter were close. Whenever Lindiwe was in the province to campaign, her mother would be at her side.
“I discuss these matters with my daughter. I know most of the things that happen to her as far as her DA job is concerned.
“Helen was very supportive of Lindiwe pursuing her studies. She said if she came back she’d be welcomed back to the DA.”
Asked why Lindiwe had told the media about her departure before telling Zille, June said she could not explain Lindiwe’s strategy.
“Lindiwe was supposed to meet Helen on Saturday to discuss the matter, but Helen was busy in Pretoria.”
The Mercury