Lindiwe Mazibuko
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Lindiwe Mazibuko (born 9 April 1980) is a Swazi-born South African academic, former politician, musician, social media influencer, and the former leader of the Official Opposition. Democratic Alliance (DA).[1][2] She was elected DA Parliamentary Leader on 27 October 2011,[3] beating incumbent Athol Trollip in a tight race,[4] becoming the first person of colour person to lead the official South African opposition in Parliament and Democratic Alliance in Parliament.
Lindiwe Mazibuko | |
---|---|
18th Leader of the Opposition | |
In office 27 October 2011 – 6 May 2014 | |
Leader | Helen Zille |
Preceded by | Athol Trollip |
Succeeded by | Mmusi Maimane |
Member of the National Assembly of South Africa | |
In office 6 May 2009 – 21 May 2014 | |
Personal details | |
Born | (1980-04-09) 9 April 1980 (age 44) Manzini, Swaziland |
Nationality | South African |
Political party | Democratic Alliance |
Residence(s) | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Alma mater | St. Mary's Diocesan School for Girls, Kloof University of Cape Town University of KwaZulu-Natal Harvard University |
Occupation |
|
Profession | Educator |
Website | www |
Mazibuko resigned from her position as a member of the Official Opposition in 2014, to study at Harvard University in the United States for a year. She stated that her resignation had nothing to do with differences within the DA, but that it would improve what she could offer the party politically.[5] It does appear, however, that there was a serious and fundamental tension between her and party leader Helen Zille that led to her departure.[6][7] Zille stated that Mazibuko knew she would lose the election for Parliamentary Leader, calling her move to Harvard "plan B".[8] She became less popular towards the end of her tenure, and was described as arrogant and autocratic by members in the DA's caucus in Parliament.[9]