By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Guy Orlik.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed the death of party stalwart, James Selfe, who passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
Selfe was 68.
He died peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, following a lengthy battle with illness, read the party statement.
DA leader John Steenhuisien described Selfe as having led a quietly influential life in contemporary South African political history, making an immense contribution to its democracy.
“Through his service to three federal leaders as the party’s first chairperson of the federal council, James operationalised the establishment and fortification of the DA as South Africa’s formidable official opposition,” the DA leader said.
“Selfe helped fine-tune the party’s systems and processes, tightening its federal constitution and turning the fast-growing DA into a modern, internationally-renowned African liberal party of rules and fairness.”
Selfe has been credited as having pioneered the DA’s most notable legal strategies including on the Zuma spy tapes, the Nkandla scandal and state capture.
“In many ways, James was a pioneer in South African opposition politics, because he was one of the first politicians in post-democratic history to begin the work of opposing the unfettered power of the ANC’s majority, and turn South Africa into a living, breathing democracy where the opposition took up its role as society’s ultimate watchdog, “Steenhuisen said.
“This vital development cannot be understated in a country where democratic accountability is still so worryingly evaded. James set the example for many of us in the DA, and we will continue this work for our country in his memory.”
He worked under various leaders in the party such as Tony Leon, Helen Zille, and Mmusi Maimane.
Selfe announced his retirement from Parliament on 31 December 2019 due to deteriorating health.
He was Member of Parliament since 1994, remained a member and supporter of the DA.
His decision, which he took in consultation with his family and the political structures in his constituency (parts of Cape Town’s South Peninsula), brought to a close a career in politics which started in 1979 – a full 43 years ago – when he joined the research department of the Progressive Federal Party (PFP), a forerunner of today’s Democratic Alliance.
Selfe served as its communications director from 1988, continuing in the same position when the PFP merged with other groupings to form the Democratic Party (DP) in 1989. In 1992, he became the executive director of the DP, and served as chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive from its inception in 2000 all the way through to 2019.
Tributes
Action SA leader, Herman Mashaba, said Selfe, whose career spanned three decades and features a commendable track record of genuine dedication to strengthening the country’s democracy and constitutional order, will be dearly missed.
“ActionSA honours his memory, which we believe serves as an inspiration for the vital role that Parliament plays in holding the Executive to account, a principle that James Selfe understood, respected, and ensured guided his work,” Mashaba said.
Today, we mourn the loss of a dedicated servant to our party and the people of South Africa. James Selfe’s unwavering commitment to liberal democracy and justice leaves an indelible mark on our nation. Rest in peace, democrat. Your tireless commitment to our country and her… pic.twitter.com/CuD5LgiDAo
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) May 21, 2024
Former DA leader Tony Leon said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of James Selfe. When the history of the democratic project here and the building of a viable opposition is properly written, his name will be written in letters of gold.”
Selfe is survived by his wife, Sheila, and three daughters, Chloe, Stephanie and Emma during this very difficult time.