By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Democratic Alliance (DA) Eastern Cape leader Nqaba Bhanga has resigned as a member of the provincial legislature and leader of the official opposition.
“I have decided to resign from the Democratic Alliance and the provincial legislature after more than 10 years. It is a difficult decision that I had to take. I thank everybody, black and white, coloured, and Indian who supported me throughout the journey. It was a difficult journey and a very challenging journey. I am going back home to reflect on what the future will look like.
His departure follows a longstanding dispute with the DA that began in June when he accused Federal chair Helen Zille of racism on Facebook.
“The DA wanted me to apologise to somebody. I refused because I believe in what I said. Even now, I’m not prepared to apologise to apologists particularly racial populist. I stand by my principles, and I have never compromised with the values of our struggle,”
Bhanga was suspended from all party activities pending an investigation.
He expressed that despite efforts to address concerns internally, he felt the situation became uncontrollable.
“I believe in building a non-racial society, and I can assure you that I’ve worked with white people in the DA who believe in those values. I confronted the DA leaders internally, raising these issues. They know where I stand as I’m always raising these issues inside and outside, but now it has reached a level that is uncontrollable. It was an honour for me to learn and serve the people of South Africa and the Eastern Cape in different spheres of government and responsibilities. I’d like to express appreciation for the support I received from many progressive South Africans, activists, comrades, friends, and family for their support,” Bhanga said.
Having stepped down as leader of the Eastern Cape earlier this year, he failed to make it to the top after he contested to become one of the party’s deputy federal chairpersons.
Since then, Bhanga has been serving as the leader of the opposition in the Eastern Cape legislature.
Bhanga’s resignation ends his longstanding career as a DA politician in which he served as an MP, MPL and mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.