By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Tyrone Arthur.
Former South African ambassador to Thailand and Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip, Douglas Gibson, has died at the age of 82,
The DA confirmed the passing of 82-year-old Gibson in a statement on Friday afternoon.
DA federal leader John Steenhuisen described Gibson as a great South African and a consummate politician and public servant.
“Douglas was a fierce fighter for freedom in South Africa who, even to the last days of his life, took no prisoners in advocating for what he and our party believed. And yet, he brought to all he did an immense capacity for compassion, retaining throughout his career an accessibility and clear humanity in all engagements.”
Gibson became a member of South Africa’s first democratically elected parliament in 1994 as one of seven Democratic Party (DP) members in the National Assembly.
He was appointed chief whip of the DP caucus and spokesperson for Safety, Security and Justice. In 1997, he was elected chair of the DP’s Federal Council, succeeding Dave Grant.
Gibson continued to serve as chief whip until 2007, when Tony Leon stepped down as DA leader and Sandra Botha was elected to succeed him. Gibson was then appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to Thailand. He officially became ambassador in January 2008 and resigned his seat in the National Assembly. In February 2012, his term as ambassador ended and he returned to South Africa.