Late DA stalwart Douglas Gibson described as a fierce fighter for freedom in SA

JOHANNESBURG - Democratic Alliance (DA) stalwart Douglas Gibson has been described as a fierce fighter for freedom in the country, who advocated for that vision until his last breath.

The 83-year-old, who died on Friday morning, once served as South Africa’s ambassador to Thailand.

Gibson served as chief whip of the democratic party, which went on to become the Democratic Alliance.

He was also the party’s federal council chairperson between 1997 and 2000.

Gibson was an accomplished and spirited politician who, right to his last days, remained loyal to his political party and the vision it had for the country.

Last year, he told EWN’s Politricking with Tshidi Madia that he was proud of the direction in which his party was moving.

"We are the most multiracial party, and we want to see that there must be a place for everybody. We are the party of the Constitution of South Africa, which is a beautiful piece of work. I am so proud of having played some part in it 30 years ago."

The DA has lauded Gibson for the immense compassion it said he retained throughout his career.

His career, though, has been tainted by some of the commentary he’s made, including descriptions of former DA leaders such as Lindiwe Mazibuko, Mmusi Maimane and Mbali Ntuli as failed experiments.

Last year, he also took a dig at Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya

"If Dr Moya becomes the mayor she's going to do what the ANC and EFF tell her to do. She's not going to be the boss."

The party is yet to release more details around his passing.