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.

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.

Carlene Muilwyk

Australasia Regional Forum Chair & Australia Country Representative

Sydney, 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.

Dr. Dion George

Americas Regional Forum Chair & USA Chairperson

New York, USA

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.

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.

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