NATIONAL NEWS - Announcing her resignation as the DA's spokesperson on international relations, DA MP, Emma Louise Powell, highlighted facing threats, intimidation, harassment and illegal surveillance while defending South Africa’s constitutional values against authoritarian influences.
“As a woman in politics, I understand viscerally the cost of standing up to bullies,” Powell said, but added, "Good leaders know when it is time to step back and allow others to carry the baton forward.”
In her statement, Powell detailed her two-and-a-half-year tenure, during which she traveled globally, first as shadow minister and later as national spokesperson.
She said during this time she spoke out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world.
"Many of these regimes are more closely enmeshed with government leaders and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) than the public realises," Powell said.
She emphasised the challenges of principled leadership in a high-pressure environment. "I am profoundly grateful to every South African, diplomat, and colleague who has supported me along this journey.
"This world is full of remarkable, principled people who know that the cost of silence is far greater than the risk of confronting tyranny when the stakes are highest."
She said given the complexities of our fragile Government of National Unity, she has achieved all she can for now.
Knysna's Ryan Smith steps in
In a separate statement today, the DA said Powell remains a valued member of the DA caucus in Parliament, and that the DA would soon make her new portfolio allocation known.
The DA announced that the party's constituency head for Knysna, Ryan Smith, would take Powell's place.
Ryan Smith Photo: Facebook Jonas saga
Powell made headlines earlier this month when she said that South Africa's special envoy to the USA, Mcebisi Jonas, was denied a visa to the country.
The ANC accused her of a smear campaign against Jonas and spreading disinformation about South Africa.
In response to the ANC's allegations, Powell posted the following on X.com: "I am a lifelong liberal who has represented South Africa with distinction on the world stage, often under very difficult circumstances.
"I've waved our flag high, and I've told the truth. The ANC has been exposed for misleading the public and failing to act as the US tariff deadline looms.
"Now, with their backs against the wall, they reach for the oldest trick in the book: racially-loaded deflection. It’s cowardly, it’s transparent, and it’s an insult to the intelligence of all South Africans. I remain unmoved."
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