Johannesburg – Democratic Alliance (DA) party stalwart Douglas Gibson has passed away at 82.
“On behalf of the DA, I would like to formally extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of a great South African, Douglas Gibson,” party leader John Steenhuisen said Friday, (9 May 2025).
Douglas was the consummate politician and public servant, perhaps best remembered in terms of his career as the Chief Whip of the Democratic Party and later the Democratic Alliance in Parliament – and then later as South Africa’s ambassador to Thailand.
“Chief Whip and Ambassador are positions that almost describe Douglas perfectly,” lamented Steenhuisen.
“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.
“At the same time, he was a great ambassador for our country, our party, and the values of non-racialism and freedom.”
Steenhuisen added: “If you wanted someone who could step up and show the best of our country, our party, and the values we hold dear, Douglas was that man.
“His charm and intelligence allowed him to reach out to others and find common ground on which to build.
“We will miss him dearly.
“And as we carry on the fight he so long waged, for a better South Africa, we will strive to honour his memory and his great efforts throughout his life to make our country a place of real freedom and vibrant opportunity.”
EWN reports that Gibson, though retired from active politics, remained a leading voice on developments in and around the DA, including its decision to join hands with the African National Congress to form a Government of National Unity.
