DA’s Emma Powell quits foreign affairs role

Powell

Cape Town – Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Emma Powell has resigned as the party’s international relations spokesperson, citing harassment, threats, and intimidation.

“After careful reflection, I have taken the decision to step down as Spokesperson on International Relations for the Democratic Alliance (DA).

“Over the past two and a half years, I have travelled the world on behalf of my Party, first as Shadow Minister and later as National Spokesperson, speaking out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world,” Powell wrote in a statement posted on her X account on Monday.

“Many of these regimes are more closely enmeshed with government leaders and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) than the public realises.

“In defending South Africa’s constitutional values on the international stage, I have been threatened, intimidated, harassed, and illegally surveilled. Driven by my commitment to the DA’s foundational principles, I accepted these risks as the unavoidable cost of standing up to and exposing DIRCO and the ANC’s relationships with authoritarian regimes.

“As a woman in politics, I understand viscerally the cost of standing up to bullies and the pressures that come with public life. In an environment that rewards expediency, truly principled leadership is rare and often costly.”

Powell, known for challenging ANC foreign policy, recently claimed that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s envoy was denied a US visa, and her international trips — including to the US and Israel — have drawn ANC criticism, EWN reported.

She said she had achieved what she could in the current Government of National Unity (GNU) climate and reaffirmed her commitment to DA principles.

Powell will remain an MP, aiming to empower others, especially women.

“I remain thankful to the leadership of the Democratic Alliance for the trust you placed in me to fly South Africa’s flag on the international stage. I will continue to use my time in Parliament to serve our country and our cause, and to empower others, especially young women, with the tools and support they need to lead with bravery and moral clarity,” she said.

Ryan Smith will take over her spokesperson role, and the DA will soon reassign her to a new portfolio.

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