MBOMBELA – A man who had been instrumental in the establishment of the DA in Mpumalanga, passed away over the weekend. Mr Armiston (Watty) Watson died on Sunday at 69 years of age.
Mr Anthony Benadie, the party’s provincial leader, said the DA was deeply saddened by his passing. “Watty was an icon in South African politics for many decades. He was a mentor, a colleague and a dear friend. Few have made such a contribution to our political discourse as Watty and he will be sorely missed. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to benefit from his immense skills, knowledge and political acumen.”
After joining the former Democratic Party from the National Party in 1998, Watson was the deputy provincial leader before representing Mpumalanga in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). In 2004 he became the DA leader in the council, and in 2011 the party’s chief whip in parliament. He retired from politics just before this year’s general elections.
Benadie said he was a true servant of South Africa. “He worked tirelessly to entrench our democracy. He was a formidable politician, a multilingual individual who had the talent of communicating with any South African in their mother tongue, which enabled him to serve as the DA member of parliament for Thembisile and DR JS Moroka for 10 years.”
Mr Jo Koster, DA caucus leader in the Mbombela council, said he got to know him while Watson was the constituency head.
He remembers him as a robust, jovial guy who was well loved among colleagues. He spoke 11 languages and often acted as impromptu translator during meetings.
“His knowledge of elections and procedures was phenomenal,” Koster said. The easiest way to have a question answered was often to just pick up the phone to Watson. “For us he was a giant. And he had a lot to do with the unification of the DA.”
Watson leaves behind his wife Madeleine, son Armiston, daughter Jacqueline and grandchildren. Benadie extended the party’s condolences to the Watson family. “We thank them for the years they have shared their beloved husband and father with the DA and the people of South Africa.”
