PAC leader Stanley Mogoba was reacting to De Lille's announcement that she intended to take advantage of the floor-crossing window period to start her own party, the Independent Democrats.
Mogoba said he noted her decision with deep regret.
It came at a time when the PAC was underoing deep introspection, and when there was a need for committed and tireless cadres to rebuild the party.
De Lille would have continued to play an invaluable role had she opted to remain.
However the PAC would be less than honest if it did not express disappointment at the way she chose to leave the party.
"Comrade Pat led the PAC's opposition -- all the way to the Constitutional Court -- to the very defection legislation which she now seeks to use to deprive the PAC of one of its seats in Parliament.
"The PAC notes that lives were lost so that its leaders could take their seats in a democratic Parliament and we will continue to question the morality of the legislation.
"However, we uphold the right of an individual to follow their conscience."
He said the PAC was larger than individuals and would survive because of its sound policies.
De Lille has however denied she is being inconsistent by taking advantage of the law.
"The way I look at this, it's not compromising my principles or anything.
"But I'm looking at it as an opportunity that's only going to come once before the 2004 elections, an opportunity I can use to make an impact... on my country.
"Of course, I'm not jumping from one party to another, I'm jumping from one party into the unknown."
A former trade union leader, she said she still regarded the PAC as her "home", and treasured the mentoring in pan Africanism she had received there.
However she believed it was best that she "give way" so she did not cause any further division in the party - Sapa
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
