Former DA chief whip and party stalwart Armiston Watson died in the early hours of yesterday morning.
According to the DA, "Watty", as he was popularly known, served as an elected public representative in "a remarkable political career spanning many decades".
He was the leader of the DA in the National Council of Provinces until his election as the chief whip of the official opposition in the National Assembly i n October 2011, a position he held until his retirement earlier this year.
The party said Watson cared deeply about this country and always worked "tirelessly to bring justice and progress to the people of his beloved province of Mpumalanga".
DA's federal chairman, Wilmot James, said: "Watty was always proud of his family and was completely devoted to his wife, Madeleine, his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadfully sad time as they mourn the passing of the mainstay of their family."
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 