Former DA Federal Chair Douglas Gibson remembered as 'forthright and true patriot'
Tshidi Madia 10 May 2025 | 8:45
Former DA chief whip Douglas Gibson. Picture: Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - As the DA mourns the loss of its former federal council chairperson, Douglas Gibson, he is being remembered as being forthright and a true patriot.
Gibson, who died on Friday, started his political career when he was just 8 years old.
He resigned from Parliament in 2007, explaining during his farewell speech that he chose to become an activist purely because he disliked the policies of the former regime.
ALSO READ: DA confirms passing of former chief whip Douglas Gibson
Gibson went on to serve South Africa as its ambassador to Thailand.
"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" (I am because we are) is a proud mantra many a South African leans on when asked to describe the vision that sets this country apart from many others.
It's the very same ideal that Gibson has credited for his own approach to politics.
Gibson spent much of his life in public service, having spent 16 years in provincial government, 5 years in the local sphere, and 16 years in the National Assembly.
He will be remembered for his role in Parliament as well as the peace talks that led to South Africa's transition, which he maintained - until the very end – was the right direction for the country.
"What an adventure it's been. From the early 1950s onwards, I saw all the steps that were taken as Apartheid took hold, as a public representative for most of the 37 years, I was able to help in a small way to dismantle that edifice and move our country," he was once quoted as saying.
The DA says he'll also be remembered for his accessibility and clear humanity in all his engagements.
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