Natasha Mazzone

It has been a very difficult period for the DA and I have every intention to concentrate on steadying the ship and ensuring continued excellence in the DA parliamentary benches

I am deeply humbled by the faith shown in me by the parliamentary leader and my party. I obviously step into massive shoes and look forward to the challenge

There is absolutely no place in SA where women and girls are safe. We are not safe at home, in the car, public transport, at school, in the mall, in the post office or the club

Women and girls in SA live in perpetual fear, and this is not normal.

We have a rape culture in SA, and it not the fault of women or any victim. The narrative of this country has to change and men must take responsibility

Given this responsibility, it is a vote of trust which I am deeply honoured to accept. I can be made the leader and someone will have something to say about it. I know what my role is

Being an MP is the greatest honour of my life and being appointed the first female chief whip of the DA in parliament is a tremendous honour. I stand on the shoulders of giants and I dare not fail them