Former DA Federal Council Chairperson James Selfe Passes Away at 68

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is mourning the loss of its former Federal Council Chairperson, James Selfe, who passed away at the age of 68 on Tuesday afternoon.

Selfe, a stalwart of the DA for nearly two decades, served under prominent leaders within the party such as Tony Leon, Helen Zille, and Mmusi Maimane.

According to a statement by the current DA leader John Steenhuisen, Selfe played a pivotal role in the history of contemporary South African politics, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s democracy.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Selfe worked tirelessly as a researcher for the party’s predecessor, the Progressive Federal Party, in countering the oppressive apartheid laws enforced by the National Party in Parliament.

His dedication saw him later become the party’s Communications Director and subsequently an Executive Director.

Upon his election to the National Council of Provinces in 1994, during South Africa‘s first democratic parliament, Selfe actively participated in the crafting of the nation’s democratic Constitution within the Constitutional Assembly.

Steenhuisen commended Selfe for his oversight in critical portfolio committees, particularly the Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, where he championed fairness and accountability within South Africa’s judicial system.

As the DA’s inaugural chairperson of the Federal Council, Selfe played a significant role in solidifying the party as a formidable opposition in South Africa, transforming it into a modern, internationally recognized African liberal party.

His legacy also includes pioneering the DA’s lawfare program, which led to groundbreaking legal decisions post-democracy, enhancing public accountability in the young democracy.

From exposing the Zuma spy tapes to challenging the misappropriation at Nkandla and blowing the whistle on corrupt state contracts involving Bosasa, Selfe fought against corruption and maladministration tirelessly.

Steenhuisen emphasized that Selfe’s dedication to transparency and accountability in governance continues to inspire members of the DA to uphold these values in service to the people of South Africa, rather than political interests.

James Selfe is survived by his wife, Sheila, and his three daughters, Chloe, Stephanie, and Emma.