DA confirms passing of former chief whip Douglas Gibson

JOHANNESBURG - Former South African ambassador to Thailand and Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip, Douglas Gibson, has died.

The DA broke news of the 82-year-old’s passing in a statement on Friday afternoon.

Gibson, though retired from active politics, has remained a leading voice on developments in and around the DA, including its decision to join hands with the African National Congress (ANC) and form a Government of National Unity.

DA federal leader John Steenhuisen, while extending condolences to the friends and family of the former ambassador, described Gibson as a great South African and a consummate politician and public servant.

"Douglas was a fierce fighter for freedom in South Africa who, even to the last days of his life, took no prisoners in advocating for what he and our party believed. And yet, he brought to all he did an immense capacity for compassion, retaining throughout his career an accessibility and clear humanity in all engagements."