Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced the passing of Roger Burrows, a former provincial leader in KwaZulu-Natal and long-serving public representative. Burrows died after a lengthy illness, the party confirmed on Friday.
Burrows, who served in several senior roles within the party — including as a Member of Parliament (MP), Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) and provincial MEC — was described by the DA as a committed democrat who dedicated his life to public service.
He began his political journey in the former Progressive Federal Party and went on to win the Pinetown constituency, a milestone that reflected his work ethic, tenacity and deep commitment to serving the public.
In a statement on Thursday, the party said Burrows played an important role in strengthening the DA’s footprint in KwaZulu-Natal and shaping its political direction in the province.
“He was a staunch Democrat who devoted his life to public service and helped pave the way for the DA’s growth in KZN,” the party said.
According to IOL, DA leader John Steenhuisen paid tribute to Burrows as a “stalwart” whose political career spanned more than two decades.
He described Burrows “as not only a stalwart of our party, but one of the most relatable human figures I have ever encountered in public life,” recalling his “big personality,” warmth and rare ability to connect with anyone he met.
Steenhuisen said Burrows embodied a generation of democrats who entered politics when the fight for freedom and fairness seemed hopeless — a decision that required both courage and a profound love for South Africa.
Over 25 years, Burrows served as a Member of Parliament, Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and later as a Member of the Executive Council during the early 2000s coalition government with the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Although he stepped down as the DA’s provincial leader in August 2006, Steenhuisen said “the mark he left on the party, on the province, on our democracy, and on the many people he guided, supported, and inspired remains unmistakable.”
Steenhuisen added that the DA remains committed to the values Burrows championed throughout his career: courage, service above self, principled leadership and respect for the country’s shared future.
The DA extended its condolences to Burrows’s family, friends and colleagues, noting that his contribution to South African politics would be remembered.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
