Sandra Botha to step down

2009-01-07 09:30

Jan-Jan Joubert

Cape Town - Sandra Botha, the leader of the opposition in Parliament, will step down after this year's elections.

She will remain a member and supporter of the Democratic Alliance, and emphasised on Tuesday that her decision had nothing to do with party politics, and should not be seen as criticism of the party or its leader, Helen Zille.

"Anyone who thinks that I would leave the DA for another party, clearly does not know me very well."

She also refused to confirm rumours that she might serve the country in another capacity.

Botha took over from Tony Leon as the DA's parliamentary leader in May 2007 - a time of debate between government and the opposition - partly because of her good relationship with key leaders of the ANC.

She was the first woman in South Africa's history to be elected as leader of the opposition.

Her withdrawal will mean that the DA will have to elect a new parliamentary leader.

'A woman of substance'

Botha, a farmer's wife from Viljoenskroon in the northern Free Sate, became involved in politics during apartheid, when her liberal views and ideals were very unusual for the Free State.

She helped to establish the DA in the province under difficult political circumstances, assisted by her husband, Andries Botha - a former leader of the DA in the Free State, who will step down as an MP after the election.

She was elected as a member of Parliament in 1999, and in 2004 became chairperson of the National Assembly, before being elected leader of the opposition.

Zille said on Tuesday afternoon that she had been aware of Botha's intentions for a few weeks, and had words of praise for her role in Parliament and the party.

"I would have preferred her to stay on as party leader in Parliament, but I don't want to stand in her way if she has other dreams," said Zille.

"Sandra Botha is a woman of substance. She exudes gravitas, she stands her ground and is completely principled. She is a role model for all South Africa and specifically the big role that she claimed for Afrikaans in politics is beyond praise," Zille said.

- Die Burger