"DA can still win control of Metro" Leon de Villiers

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Outgoing DA caucus leader in Nelson Mandela Bay, Leon de Villiers, says he believes his party can still win control of the Metro in 2016.

De Villiers today announced his resignation as city councillor, three years after he said he intended to step away.

He told Algoa FM News that he wants to spend more time with his family, particularly his wife, to whom he's been married for close on 40 years.

"I am now in my 20th year as being a councillor and i am really just finding it a bit tough to carry on being responsible for the leadership of this Metro, whilst also trying to run my own business interests. I remain an active member of the DA and I firmly believe the party can win control of the Metro in 2016" he said

Statement from the DA:

"It is with regret, but coupled with a great sense of pride and gratitude that the Democratic Alliance announces the retirement from the Nelson Mandela Bay Council of respected DA Caucus Leader, Leon J.de Villiers, effective 28 February 2014.
Councillor de Villiers joined the Democratic Party in 1997. He was elected a DA Councillor in 2000 and has always been a fearless opponent of the ANC in Council. Under his leadership the DA in Nelson Mandela Bay has become a serious contender for government and in 2016 this will become his legacy.

During his time in office, he has shown great strength of character and a work ethic many would envy. The caucus members, who he has led, are unanimous in their admiration for a principled man who is a strong leader, a researcher, an orator, always approachable, always moral, and a gentleman at all times. His assets are seasoned with a very well developed sense of humour, despite rising very early every day, to attend to his political tasks"