WATCH | DA federal chair Athol Trollip quits

23 October 2019 - 17:55 By TimesLive
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

The Democratic Alliance was dealt a severe blow on Wednesday October 23 2019 as leader Mmusi Maimane and federal chair Athol Trollip stepped down from their respective positions in the party. This follows the resignation of Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, who resigned on Monday October 21.

DA federal chairperson Athol Trollip resigned on Wednesday, minutes after DA leader Mmusi Maimane announced he would quit the party.

"As chairman of this party, I think it is fitting that I also take responsibility," he said, referring to the party's poor performance in the last general elections. 

"I fully believe that the Democratic Alliance is worthwhile and that is why I have given so much to this party," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"I realised this weekend it is probably my time to go... and that is not easy for someone with my age and my complexion... and my hairstyle," he joked.


PODCAST | The DA's darkest days: What happened & what now?

For more episodes, click here.

Subscribe: iono.fm | Spotify | Apple Podcast | Pocket Casts | Player.fm


On a more serious note, he said: "The ANC has neglected South Africans...

"South Africans deserve good governance... don't turn your backs on the Democratic Alliance," said Trollip.

Mmusi Maimane and Trollip are long-time political allies and the two are said to be unhappy about Zille's return to the DA's top leadership structures.

In terms of the DA's constitution, Trollip was next in line to take over the reins on an interim basis if Maimane had to go.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now