17 November 1998
I have decided to release a statement regarding my future as a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress after numerous inquiries to my office as well as media speculation as to whether I would be standing for Parliament in the 1999 elections.
I have also received requests from ANC structures who have nominated me on to the ANC list process, to confirm my acceptance of such nomination.
I have been active in the liberation struggle for the past 45 years and have served in a full-time capacity since 1961. I have had the privilege of playing an active role in our country’s transition to democracy and have had the honour of serving on the first Cabinet of the first democratically elected government in this country.
But I have had to take stock of my future. In particular, I have become deeply aware that my role in the liberation struggle in the past did not afford my family and I the space to grow up together.
After careful thought, discussion and consultation with both my colleagues and my family I have come to the conclusion that the time has arrived where I should find a balance between the needs of family and any work I do. I accordingly informed the ANC on 4 November 1998 that I would not be seeking re-election to Parliament.
I would like to thank all my comrades in the liberation struggle, my colleagues and the people of South Africa for affording me the opportunities I have had. My decision not to restand does not in any way diminish my commitment to creating a non-racial, non-sexist democracy in which all people are treated with equality and justice. At the same time I will continue to serve the ANC , including serving on the National Executive Committee to which I was reelected in December last year, and I remain firmly committed to its cause.
Minister Mac Maharaj’s CV is on the Department of Transport’s Website: www.transport.gov.za
Issued by Didi Moyle: PA and Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Transport
Didi Moyle
PA and Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Transport
Pretoria: (012) 309 3131 (phone) or (012) 328 3194 (fax)
Cape Town: (021) 457260 (phone) or (021) 461 6845 (fax)
email: moyle@ mweb.co.za
or moyled@ndot.pwv.gov.za
(Pretoria only)
cell: 082 808 5108