SA opposition leader to quit

JOHANNESBURG – The leader of South Africa’s largest opposition party, Tony Leon, said yesterday he would not seek re-election when his party meets to elect its new head at its congress next May.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader said in a statement that he would however remain a member of parliament. “I wish to announce today that I will not seek, nor will I accept, nomination for the leadership of the Democratic Alliance when the Party Federal Congress convenes in May 2007,” he said.”It is time for the party to move on, and for me to move on as well,” Leon said, adding that his 13 years at the helm was the “absolute upper limit of effective leadership”.Even though the DA is the biggest opposition party, it garnered less than 12 per cent of the national vote in 2004, compared to the ruling African National Congress’ 70 per cent.It remains largely a white-dominated party and has been unable to win over support from the black majority that makes up more than 75 per cent of the country’s 45 million people.The DA has struggled to end the ANC’s long dominance over South Africa’s political landscape, which is peppered with tiny opposition groups.Nampa-Reuters”I wish to announce today that I will not seek, nor will I accept, nomination for the leadership of the Democratic Alliance when the Party Federal Congress convenes in May 2007,” he said.”It is time for the party to move on, and for me to move on as well,” Leon said, adding that his 13 years at the helm was the “absolute upper limit of effective leadership”.Even though the DA is the biggest opposition party, it garnered less than 12 per cent of the national vote in 2004, compared to the ruling African National Congress’ 70 per cent.It remains largely a white-dominated party and has been unable to win over support from the black majority that makes up more than 75 per cent of the country’s 45 million people.The DA has struggled to end the ANC’s long dominance over South Africa’s political landscape, which is peppered with tiny opposition groups.Nampa-Reuters