Mazibuko ready for battle after illness
SHE recovered from emergency surgery quicker than the doctors expected and now Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko is campaigning as if she never had any problems to begin with.
Mazibuko, 34, said that at first her condition had been diagnosed as life-threatening, hence the surgery. But it turned out not to be the case.
“I had been ignoring the pain for too long,” she said. “Had I acted earlier, the situation would have been less dire.”
She said her health had improved and the doctors were happy with her progress.
“Sometimes we push ourselves too hard. I thought especially of our leader, Helen Zille, who holds two important political positions.
“I believe being a public representative means you have to try to be available all the time, so I postponed going to the doctor. I ended up being out of action for a long time.”
Since her surgery, she has crisscrossed the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo in campaigning.
“It has been amazing to join the campaign. The enthusiasm everywhere is palpable and our leaders in all the provinces are working night and day.
“I am especially excited about the Northern Cape effort led by Andrew Louw. I think we have a chance of liberating that province from the ANC.
“Travelling those long distances from Upington to Klein Mier last week made me realise yet again how much credit Northern Cape politicians deserve. Speaking to the community of Klein Mier re- minded me of why we are in politics, and seeing the anger of voters in Upington about corruption reminded me of the urgency of a DA victory.
Mazibuko, who is regarded as one of the DA’s brightest stars, has also vowed to search for the near elusive balance between work and life’s other aspects.
“But first we must now tackle Nkandla in that parliamentary committee,” she said.
“The country expects and requires it. I am very happy that National Assembly speaker Max Sisulu did what was required.
“It has ensured that the institution fulfils its mandate, despite the ANC’s efforts to delay the process.
“During my illness I had time to reflect on my life. I am proud of what we have achieved in parliament, and I once again realised the appreciation I have for my caucus colleagues’ efforts.”
The ANC has yet to name its members of the parliamentary committee to discuss public protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on Nkandla.