Francine Higham

Global Leader & UK Committee Member

London, United Kingdom

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.

Nigel Bruce

Global Chairperson & UK Committee Member

London, United Kingdom

Nigel Bruce is a former Democratic Alliance MP and editor of The Financial Mail. He has also edited the Business Day, Finance Week and Finansies & Techniek and was the Executive Director of Times Media Ltd.

Neville Marshall

Global Finance Chair & UK Treasurer

London, United Kingdom

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.

Morné Van Der Waltsleben

Global Operations Chair

Cape Town, South Africa

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.

I’ve been involved in human rights project with the United Nations, called Free & Equal (www.unfe.org), focusing on LGBT rights within the members of the United Nations. My advocacy for LGBT rights also extends to my involvement in the DA’s LGBTQI arm.

Michael Durrant Cooper

Africa Regional Forum Chair & Ghana Country Representative

Accra, 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.

Renette Booyens

Americas Regional Forum Chairperson & Canada Deputy Chairperson

Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Canada

Renette was born and raised in Welkom in the Free State. Over the last 18 years she has lived in France, the US and now Canada. She is now trained and qualified as an early Childhood Educator but recently returned back top school to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development. Renette is on the board of directors of an non-profit organisation in Montreal called Women Aware. This organisation provides long term support for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and also provides educational programs in schools and colleges regarding intimate partner violence.

Renette became a volunteer for the DA Abroad in 2016. She loves South Africa and is passionate about our country, it’s people and it’s future. Renette believes it is important to be aligned with those who share the same heart and vision for our country. She is therefore really excited and proud to be part of the DA Abroad. Our country deserves the hope it represents!

Igor Scheurkogel

Asia Regional Forum Chair & Taiwan Representative

Taiwan, Kaohsiung City

Igor was part of the establishment of DA Youth in 2001-2002 and served as Communication officer and DA Youth Chairperson of the Free State. In 2004 he moved to Taiwan to work and start his business. In 2012 he returned to South Africa where he launched his NPO – The Power of One which focuses on self-sustainability and helping other NPOs set up infrastructure. In 2013 he was part of the first class of the DA’s Potential Candidate Program. Igor has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing (UFS) and Accounting Science (Unisa), a Masters in Political Transformation & Governance (UFS) and in 2014 he returned to Taiwan to complete his PhD at the Institute of China Asia Pacific Studies at the department of Political Science (recently obtained PhD candidacy). He is also the Director for Mr Gay World: Asia, Africa and Oceania which he has launched various organizations promoting LGBTIQA rights. The most important characteristics of a public representative should 1) accessible to the public, 2) informative and 3) unbiased with service delivery

Carlene Muilwyk

Australasia Regional Forum Chairperson & Australia Committee Chairperson

Canberra, 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.

Ross Taverner

Europe Regional Forum Chair & France Chairperson

Paris, France

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.