Tributes have poured in for long-serving member of Parliament James Self, who passed away today at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness. Mr Selfe was one of the first members of parliament in the country to be elected as a member of what is now the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in 1994. He also participates in the formulation of the constitution.
He served on the Judiciary Committee and the Correctional Affairs Committee and was Shadow Corrections Minister in the Crown Prosecution Service.
He also served as the opposition parliamentary leader for almost 20 years until 2019.
Siviwe Gwalbe, the DA’s parliamentary chief of staff, said: He has shown tremendous support for as long as he has existed. He had an open mind and a keen mind to understand political dynamics, so he was not a fixed person and not one to test his understanding. He embraced young leaders within the organization. ”
“James Self pioneered the Prosecutor's Office's legal program responsible for some of the most landmark legal decisions in post-democratic history, setting numerous precedents that strengthened public accountability.” @jsteenhuisen#RIP James Selfhttps://t.co/fGeG7kfJ2i
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) May 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader John Steenhuisen called the late Mr Selfe a pioneer of South African democracy and an unsung hero.
Steenhuisen said the DA's office will carry on the legacy of Selfe, who enjoyed a 43-year political career with the DA and his predecessors.
“He was one of the first politicians in post-democratic history to stand up against the unbridled power of the ANC majority and transform South Africa into a viable democracy with the opposition assuming its role as society's ultimate watchdog. In a country where accountability is alarmingly evasive, this significant development cannot be underestimated. James set an example for many of us in the DA and we will continue this work for the country in his memory,” Steenhuisen said.
Former Speaker of Congress James Self dies
