MBOMBELA – The leader of the official opposition in legislature has resigned.
Mr Anthony Benadie announced on Sunday that he was taking a sabbatical from politics for personal reasons. Benadie has been the provincial leader of the party and an MPL since 2004.
Earlier this year he did not make himself available to be re-elected as provincial leader, aiming for a position in the DA’s national structures instead. He was not elected, while DA member of parliament (MP) Mr James Masango was elected provincial leader unopposed.
The intention to swap them between parliament and legislature was declared. But while waiting for the change, Benadie has decided that he doesn’t want to serve in the national assembly after all.
“I also understand and accept the desire and intention of the provincial leader to return to the legislature and I have no desire to hamper his intentions.”
“While serving in parliament is an honour bestowed on few, and while I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me, I made a commitment to myself and my family that I would not seek election to parliament while my son is still at such a young age, and that I would seek such election at a time that better suits my family.”
“Fortunately I have had several months to think deeply and consult far and wide on the lifestyle of an MP and the implications the move will have for my family.
“It would be no good to be a weekend father (he has an eight-year-old son) and a husband who checks in on weekends.
“At this stage of my life I need to put my family first. I have made the commitment to my wife and myself that my son cannot grow up without a father.”
While he resigned from the legislature, he is still a member of the party.
He says he has asked for a council appointment in Nkangala where a position is opening up, and he has requested to remain top of the party list in Mpumalanga, to be allowed to return to the legislature if a position should open up.
In the meantime he will pursue private business interests. He added that he was sad to leave his position.
“Of course I am sad. The DA is my passion, but life is about difficult choices. I love my country, but I love my family more.”
He thanked the DA, the party leadership, the legislature as an institution and every colleague for the confidence they have had in him.
“I am honoured to have served in the provincial legislature since 2004 and express my gratitude to the people of our province and the DA for affording me the unbelievable opportunity of serving our party and country, which I will continue to do. I am truly humbled.”
