The DA has appointed Mmusi Maimane as its national spokesman.

Maimane's appointment was approved by the party's federal executive yesterday, and he would take up his duties immediately, party leader Helen Zille said.

Maimane replaces Lindiwe Mazibuko, who was elected as the DA's parliamentary leader in October.

"In many ways Mmusi Maimane symbolises our party's future," Zille said. 'He is a young and talented individual, committed to the values and principles that define the DA's vision of an open-opportunity society for all."

Maimane grew up in Soweto and has lived there most of his life.

Earlier this year, he was elected as the DA's mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Since then he has served as DA Johannesburg caucus leader.

• DA MP Masizole Mnqasela has been charged with misconduct by the party's federal legal commission, SABC news reported yesterday.

Mnqasela confirmed to the broadcaster that he had been given the charge sheet, including a list of witnesses. He did not give details of what exactly he had been charged with.

"I am not at liberty to disclose that. The people who charged me must tell you. I will announce [it] once I've consulted my legal team," he said.

Mnqasela made headlines when he questioned Zille's decision to support Mazibuko as parliamentary leader.