Johnathan Paoli
Political parties have mourned the passing of DA stalwart and party federal chairperson James Selfe, following his death on Tuesday at the age of 68.
DA party leader John Steenhuisen praised Selfe and described him as ‘one of the unsung heroes of South African democracy’, who dedicated his life to the betterment of the country.
“His legacy will live on in the corridors of parliament, and in the memories made with family, friends and colleagues alike,” Steenhuisen said ActionSA leader and former DA mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba said Selfe’s career featured a commendable track record of genuine dedication to strengthening the constitutional order of the country.
“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.
Build One South Africa leader and former DA federal leader, Mmusi Maimane said Selfe was a great friend, trusted adviser and true statesman.
Former DA Whip Phumzille Van Damme praised Selfe’s mentoring of many young leaders and said he was always welcoming to her during her time at the party.
“He was one of the very few who was genuinely a good person and cared very deeply about other people. A rarity,” Van Damme said.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola sent his condolences and said his passing is a great loss for South Africa.
“I will always cherish his very valuable contributions in parliament, I found him to be a true democrat committed to building a viable criminal justice system,” Lamola said.
The Selfe family confirmed that he passed away surrounded by family and loved ones, following a lengthy battle with illness.
Selfe worked as a researcher for the Progressive Federal Party during the 1970s and 1980s, served as the party’s communications director, later becoming an executive director.
He was elected to the national council of provinces in 1994 and served in the Constitutional Assembly.
Selfe served on various portfolio committees, most notably the Committee on Justice and Correctional Services.
He served as the party’s first chairperson of the federal council, and saw the establishment of the DA as the country’s official opposition.
Selfe facilitated the party’s lawfare programme responsible for some of the groundbreaking legal judgements in the democratic dispensation, including the Zuma spy tapes, the Nkandla scandal as well as blowing the whistle on state contracts awarded to Bosasa.
Selfe retired from politics in 2021. Helen Zille replaced him as the chairperson of the federal council.
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