'A stalwart of our party': DA mourns Roger Burrows
DA pays heartfelt tribute as Roger Burrows dies, leaves lasting legacy in SA politics.
Image: File
Former KwaZulu-Natal Democratic Alliance leader Roger Burrows has died after a lengthy illness, the party confirmed on Friday.
DA leader John Steenhuisen is paying tribute to a 'stalwart' whose political career spanned more than two decades.
Steenhuisen described Burrows "as not only a stalwart of our party, but one of the most relatable human figures I have ever encountered in public life."
He said Burrows had a big personality and a warmth that drew people in, with a rare ability to relate to anyone he met.
Steenhuisen also recalled how Burrows's public service spanned decades, rooted in his belief that politics should serve people, not the other way around.
"Burrows typified a generation of great democrats and members of our party who got into politics when the cause for real freedom and fairness seemed hopeless. That took both courage and a deep love of this country."
Burrows began his political journey in the then Progressive Federal Party and went on to win the Pinetown constituency, a milestone that cemented his tenacity, work ethic, and personal commitment to public service.
Over 25 years, he served as Member of Parliament, Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and later as Member of the Executive Council during the early 2000s coalition government with the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Steenhuisen added that although Burrows stepped down as the DA's provincial leader in August 2006.
"The mark he left on the party, on the province, on our democracy, and on the many people he guided, supported, and inspired remains unmistakable."
The DA leader also emphasised the party's renewed commitment to Burrows' values.
"In honour of Roger's memory, we recommit ourselves to the values he lived every day: courage to do what is right, service above self, principled leadership, and respect for our shared future in the province he loved so much and in the country he dutifully served. We will miss him dearly."
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