Democratic Alliance (DA) MP John Steenhuisen has clarified that he has not resigned from the party or Parliament.
In a Twitter post on Thursday, he said he had only lost his position as DA Chief Whip because of Mmusi Maimane’s resignation as parliamentary leader.
“Let me be clear: I have NOT resigned from the @Our_DA or Parliament. The Leader of the party appoints the Chief Whip. With Mmusi’s resignation from Parliament my term as Chief Whip ends. I remain a committed and determined member of the party and cause,” he wrote.
Van Damme, Gana also not resigning
Despite intense speculation that they might also quit DA and Parliament, MP Phumzile van Damme and Gauteng MPL Makashule Gana have said they aren’t going anywhere.
Gana tweeted, “Let me respond to the question of whether am resigning from the DA. I am NOT resigning; the thought has not visited.
“I am running my own race which I started on my own. Tempting as it might be to follow others, I still prefer to run my own race.”
In response to Maimane’s tweet announcing his resignation from DA and as parliamentary leader, van Damme said, “Thank you for everything Mmusi. Really sad to see you go. We stay and push on. #OneSAForAll.”
Caucus to elect new parliamentary leader
DA’s parliamentary caucus is set to elect its new leader next week, according to reports.
In line with the party’s constitution, the new parliamentary leader will then appoint the new chief whip.
There is speculation that Steenhuisen could be elected the next DA parliamentary leader.
Van Damme and fellow MP Natasha Mazzone have also been touted as the next possible chief whip in case Steenhuisen wins.
The party’s leadership crisis began on Monday with Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba’s announcement that he will resign on 27 November.
Maimane followed suit on Wednesday and was joined by former Federal Chairperson Athol Trollip.