‘A true patriot’ and ‘stalwart in our democracy’ – tributes pour in for former DA MP James Selfe

Tributes are pouring in for former Democratic Alliance (DA) member of Parliament James Selfe.

The party revealed Selfe died on Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by family and loved ones. It comes after a lengthy battle with illness.

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DA stood on shoulders like his

“This is a sad day for the Democratic Alliance, but also for South Africa,” party leader John Steenhuisen said in a video on the party’s X account.

“James Selfe was a stalwart in our democracy, and the DA today stands on the shoulders of giants like Selfe, who dedicated his entire life to fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy in South Africa.”

The DA mourns the passing of party stalwart, James Selfe who was an unsung hero of our democracy and a pioneer in South African opposition politics. James was the party’s first FedCo chairperson and pioneered its lawfare programme. Fare thee well, James. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/MZ6dN9dTL0

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) May 21, 2024

Words from allies and former allies

Former DA councillor and mayor of Johannesburg, now the leader of opposition party ActionSA, Herman Mashaba, said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the “true patriot”.

“It was a privilege to work alongside James, a man for whom I had the utmost respect and admiration. I will always remember his genuine desire to build a better South Africa,” Mashaba said.

“He was a true patriot and a dedicated public servant who served his country with distinction. May he rest in peace.”

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of James Selfe.

It was a privilege to work alongside James, a man for whom I had the utmost respect and admiration. I will always remember his genuine desire to build a better South Africa.

He was a true patriot and a dedicated public servant… pic.twitter.com/UzQRnZQ1zX

— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) May 21, 2024

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The Western Cape premier Alan Winde hailed Selfe’s “unwavering commitment to liberal democracy and justice,” which leaves an indelible mark on our nation.

“Rest in peace, democrat. Your tireless commitment to our country and her future will never be forgotten,” Winde said.

The prevailing message I see about James Selfe is his mentoring of so many young leaders. He truly and genuinely cared. I don’t know how many times I sneaked past his secretary & burst into his office without an appointment, a man very busy. He’d welcome me in & listen carefully… pic.twitter.com/U4sDOCUYzu

— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) May 21, 2024

Chief Whip of the DA in Parliament, Siviwe Gwarube said she was “absolutely devastated” by the news.

“A dear friend. A great mentor. A wealth of knowledge and incredible stories,” she tweeted.

“A constitutionalist. A man who loved his family, his dogs and a good glass of wine. Kufa ndini! You have robbed us. You have robbed Sheila and the girls. Argh man. This is a tough tough one. I will miss you, Sir. Go well, Old Sport.”

Mayor of the uMngeni Municipality, Chris Pappas said Selfe had a “big impact on our constitutional democracy” and South Africa owes him a huge debt.

James Selfe but he is one of the people has had a big impact on our constitutional democracy.

For the next generation of leaders in the country we owe him a huge debt.

May you rest in peace knowing that your struggle will be carried forward by those that you mentored. pic.twitter.com/FnTIzGUepD

— Christopher Pappas (@MayorPappas) May 21, 2024

This is a developing story. More to follow.