Meet our candidates who have submitted nominations as DA Abroad country-level representatives for 2016.
Country Representative Candidates
Bronwyn Prescott – New Zealand
“I am an experienced technical professional with over 15 years of experience in the engineering industry, having worked as either a Contract or Project Manager on airport sites in the UK as well as in New Zealand. I am currently working as an Information Analyst, tasked as the software expert and trainer for all the software applications used by the business, supporting their international and local branches. I get great pleasure from volunteering my free time, hoping to enrich the lives of those around me.”
Carlene Muilwyk – Australia
“Originally from Cape Town, I have a background in administration and organisation and am currently a full time mother to my lovely children. Moving to Australia has given me the opportunity to be involved in the 2014 South African National Election as a DA Party Agent on election day, as well as volunteering on the Vote Home campaign. I believe the South African community abroad have a vital role to play in the choices and direction our country is heading. As a DA Abroad Representative I believe I can continue to bring my passion for South Africa to our Australian diaspora, as well as work together with our other branches of the DA Abroad share the good news about the Democratic Alliance to those no longer living in South Africa.”
Desiree Tity Letlhake – Ireland
“I moved to Ireland in December 2000 and currently employed by St Vincent University Hospital (SVUH) as an OTA. A member of the contact persons for the Dignity at Work in SVUH, and also an OT Representative for Infection Prevention and Control.
A part-time student of ‘’Kings Inns’’ with the Dublin College of Barristers studying Advanced Diploma in Juvenile Justice. A member of the DA since 2007 and has remained bona fide since.
I am also a founder of a South African Musical Dance Group called Moribo Wa Africa (MWA). Our aim is to unite South Africans abroad and promote the Culture and Heritage of SA through Acts, Performances and Education, as we proudly showcase our Rainbow Nation and raise our South African Flag abroad. ”
Dion George – United States of America
“I’ve been a resident of New York since May 2015. I joined the party in 1995 and served as Chairperson of the Sandown Branch from 2005 to 2008. In March 2006 I was elected to the Johannesburg City Council where I served on the Finance, Housing and Public Accounts Committees before my election to the National Assembly in January 2008. I served on the Finance, Auditor-General and Public Accounts Committees and as Shadow Minister of Finance.
I was elected as a Whip in the National Assembly, Trustee of the Political Office Bearers Pension Fund and Federal Finance Chairperson. I served on the Federal Council, Federal Executive and National Management Committee. I currently serve on the executive of the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club in Manhattan and as Chairperson of the Audit Committee.”
Laura Jantjies – Ireland
Michael Cooper – Ghana
“I have a passion for Africa, which has accelerated during my 8 years so far in West Africa (from Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and now Ghana), and more specifically for South Africa and being able to use any of my skills to assist in building a better future for South Africa – no matter how small – is a passion for me.The opportunity to be involved with the DA Abroad in an official capacity is one which humbles me.”
Michelle Ziller – Australia
“I was born in the Strand, Western Cape. I grew up and lived in Southern Africa until 1986 and although I have lived abroad since then, I still have a strong passion for the country, its laws, and the rights of all of its people.
I am particularly passionate about retention of South African citizenship and I administer a Facebook group formed specifically to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the loss of citizenship provisions contained in Section 6 of the South African Citizenship Act.
I believe that the DA is the best party to lead South Africa forward.”
Morné Van Der Waltsleben – China
“I have worked in China for more than 8 years now as a qualified Cambridge University (CELTA) English Language Trainer. I’m currently working towards my LLB. I’ve worked with the DA Abroad in China since 2013 and I’ve acted as a party agent for the 2014 national elections in Shanghai. Together with other branches of the DA Abroad I campaigned and educated voters about the DA through online media channels and community gatherings. My contribution to DA Abroad further extends to my participation in research projects addressing issues affecting not only the South African community abroad but also South Africans back home.”
Paul Heymans – Thailand
“I have been living and working in Bangkok, Thailand since 2012. I completed my TEFL course in Hua Hin, Thailand and then moved to the “Big Mango” (Bangkok) not long after that and have been living here ever since.
I became involved with the DA Abroad team in December 2015 as I wanted to gain hands on experience, dealing with Political entities, Government and Non Governmental entities and most importantly, Foreign Service and Relations. Since joining I have only been blown away by the passion and dedication each individual has forming part of the DA and DA Abroad team and I am so proud to stand within a significant role and wave my blue flag high! I truly believe that together we will succeed in making South Africa a better place for everyone.”
Travis Manicom – Namibia
Vega Hall-Martin – Hong Kong, China
“I was born and raised in Skukuza, Kruger National Park. My family then subsequently moved to Cape Town. I studied BComm Law at Stellenbosch University followed by an Honours in Economics. Upon graduation, I moved to London where I lived for 12 years working for the largest European bank in various roles including Investment Banking and developing the bank’s finance proposition of Renewable energy. Recently, I re-located to Hong Kong with my fiancé where I am pursuing my long held passion in wildlife conservation by raising awareness against the ivory trade in Asia.
I have been actively involved with the Democratic Alliance since 2009. I am extremely passionate about South Africa and her people and believe that the Democratic Alliance will provide the leadership that is required to bring about positive political change that South Africa so desperately needs.”
National Organising Committee Candidates
France
Patrick Ross Taverner
Position: Chairperson
“Originally from Port Elizabeth, I work in Paris as a financial engineer for an international software firm, with most of my experience in finance and commodity markets. I studied engineering at Stellenbosch University, an Msc at Cass Business School (London) and completed the Chartered Financial Analyst Charter exams. I have a strong outside interests in development economics and politics, I feel passionately about developing the enormous potential of South Africa’s people. I enjoy debating difficult issues and seeing the impact of good policy and governance in action.”
Mary Paccard
Position: Deputy Chairperson
“I am proud to represent my country abroad. Being a mother and nurturing person in general, I strive for the best of humanity and in transforming ourselves. When I look at my child, I see everyone’s child that grows and becomes their purpose. It’s so important to cultivate the best of ourselves and then put it into action. I love philosophy and I practice the Dharma. I am also an English teacher and wife. It’s important for me to have honest relationships with whomever I meet. South Africa is a country that is so beautiful and has everything to offer the world. It’s going through obstacles but I see hope again. If we have a just society we can attain that. I want to represent my country internationally. Shine the light on our diverse cultures and make some small difference to the world. The DA has this vision and I am proud to represent them too. ”
Anthony de Rauville
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I was born and brought up in the small coastal farming town of Salt Rock, Kwa-Zulu Natal. These years were spent in a community that fostered a spirit of openness, collaboration and solidarity. They shaped my attitudes, beliefs and values and have now led me to stand as a committee member for the DA in France. As a young South African, I believe there has never been a time more appropriate to involve myself in the future of our country. I look forward to hopefully committing my time, knowledge and passion into strengthening and developing the work of the DA abroad.”
United Kingdom
William Carlisle van der Merwe
Position: Chairperson
“I have been living in the UK for several years, but I am a passionate South African and the more time passes the more I see how much can and needs to be done. I want the best for South Africa and all people within it, and I believe those abroad also have a role to play, and can make a difference.
I share the liberal democratic views of the DA and believe in an open society, where success is rewarded and all have equal opportunity regardless of their differences or background. I see government as a service to improve the lives of citizens.
The DA is an avenue for South Africans to contribute to the success of our country. There are many South African’s to engage abroad, and also much international awareness to be generated regarding South Africa and the need for accountability in government. The DA Abroad can make a significant and tangible impact, and I would like to facilitate driving that.”
Hayley Reichert
Position: Deputy Chairperson
“I am a passionate UK-based South African, who believes that South Africans abroad have enormous potential to help secure South Africa’s future. A voluntary DA Abroad committee member since 2012, my contribution includes the Vote Home campaign (2014 General Elections) and the Dual Citizenship campaign, which seeks to challenge the constitutionality of loss of South African citizenship.
I have helped thousands of people affected by various Home Affairs issues and am actively involved in the global diaspora community through social and charity initiatives, currently serving on the Nedbank South African Charity Golf Day committee.”
Neville Marshall
Position: Treasurer
“I grew up in Scarborough, a seaside village in the South Peninsula, Cape Town. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant as from March 2007, I have worked in several finance roles in both Cape Town and London – where I have lived for the past eight years. Whilst in London I passed the level three exam of the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification and have recently embarked on a Masters in Real Estate.
I have undertaken various roles, with a particular focus on finance, for the DA Abroad since 2011. I also serve as a Trustee of the Ubunye-Unity Trust, a UK based charity which focuses on raising funds for underprivileged schools in South Africa.
The DA Abroad allows me to make a difference back home and feel a little closer too. I hope to continue to be able to contribute in any way.”
Cayla Thomas Murray
Position: Secretary
“I am a born-free from Johannesburg, raised in Cape Town. I moved to London to study International Politics BSC at the University of Brunel. During my first year I interned at Westminster Parliament and met Helen Zille at the DA Abroad’s Blue Blitz. This inspired me to help the Democratic Alliance Abroad by starting a branch for them whilst studying abroad in Prague on my Erasmus+ scholarship.
Upon returning from my year abroad, I assumed the role as Secretary for the UK organising committee where I have helped organise events and research Overseas Voting and the Nuclear Deal.”
Francine Higham
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“Originally from the Eastern Cape, and living now in the UK for over 8 years, I have been an active volunteer and member of the DA Abroad UK team since the organisation’s start in 2009. I have served in a number of roles on the UK Committee including Secretary, Media Liaison, Deputy Chairperson, and, for the last two years, as Chairperson. It has been an honour to support the work of the Democratic Alliance in South Africa, not only in raising the profile of the party internationally, but also leading the global Vote Home campaign to almost double the overseas voter turnout in 2014. I look forward to continuing my role as a member of the DA Abroad UK team.”
Jacqueline Dunbar
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I am passionate about South Africa and want to be involved in the process of change for the good of the country and for all South Africans no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation or social standing. I initially left South Africa in 1996 and left for America. I then started a company called African Darlings which imported children’s clothing made in South Africa and contributed a portion of the profits to TLC an orphanage in Johannesburg. I also adopted my first son from TLC. We moved back to South Africa in 2007 with the purpose of adopting my second son, and then moved to the UK in 2013. Today I work for a company based in South Africa, employing South Africans. I am deeply saddened by the transformation in the country and feel that it’s time to get involved. I have excellent transferable skills and a vast network and believe that I can make a difference.”
Jason Frazer
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I’m a Joburg Boy who has been living in the UK for 2 years. I joined the DA Abroad at a Blue Blitz in 2014 and have contributed as Social Media Liaison. In 2009 I developed a passion for Mzansi when I joined the DA in one of the Johannesburg wards as a volunteering canvasser.
I am a proud South African who is not shy to spread my belief that Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (A Person is a Person through other People). I know that I can truly contribute to making Mzansi a better place for all South Africans.”
Jonathan Katzenellenbogen
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“SA is facing immense challenges and I am keen to work through the DA Abroad Committee to help play a small part in meeting these.
Over the past three years I have been actively involved in media work and fund raising as a member of the DA Abroad UK Committee. I have also worked on a number of DA campaigns in SA, including helping Tony Leon in the 1994 election. In last year’s election I helped DA MP James Lorimer monitor voting in Soweto.
I am a freelance journalist and mainly write about economics, politics, and defence. In SA, I worked on Business Day and for Summit TV, a business television station. I have also worked as management consultant for a number of large South African companies.”
Justin Adams
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I was born and raised in KwaZulu Natal, and moved to the UK in 2008. I am currently involved in UK Property investment. I have been involved with the DA Abroad since 2014, initially as a volunteer and as Membership Secretary since 2015.
I have a deep passion to see South Africa succeed and feel we should all play our part in overcoming the challenges our beautiful land faces, and we as the diaspora have the honour of flying the flag internationally.”
Ludre Stevens
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I am honoured to have been the first UK Chairperson and am currently the Leader of the DA Abroad. At the moment I am the campaign manager for the DA Abroad campaign against the Nuclear power procurement deal and previously worked on the NoToSecrecy and VoteHome campaigns.
I am a founding Trustee of the Ubunye-Unity Trust, a UK based charity in support of South African community development projects; on the United National Westminster Committee and runs a Tech start-up called YuDoGlobal. I believe that the DA Abroad is vitally important as international pressure is the key to helping South Africa succeed.”
Mornay Korkie
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
“I have lived in the UK since 2012, I moved to London as I felt that my professional skills and experience were not valued or appreciated in South Africa and that my career had no future due to government imposed measures (BEE).
Once I settled in the UK, I joined the DA Abroad in 2013 as a volunteer and was actively involved in the Vote Home campaign (2014 General Elections) and have extended to my participation in research projects and participation in committee meetings.
As a volunteer I realised that as a South African living abroad, I can contribute towards making South Africa the Country it should be!”
Gordon Harvey
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Gaza Mkansi
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Nigel Bruce
Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Sindiso Joya
Position: Ordinary Committee Member