AFTER serving as Durban North’s councillor for more than five years, Dean Macpherson is leaving his post after being elected to join the National Assembly for the Democratic Alliance. Last Friday the DA held a party to honour Macpherson and to wish him well in his new role.
Macpherson was first elected in 2009 in a by-election for Durban North, he was 24 years old at the time and one of the youngest councillors in the country. Since then, he has risen through the ranks of Democratic Alliance to become one of the most prominent politicians in KZN for the DA.
In 2011, he was appointed by the Democratic Alliance national leadership to be the party’s chief whip in eThekwini to run the administrative program of the party. He has also served as a spokesman for economic development as well as spokesman for finance.
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised by the party. I am incredibly grateful that my party recognises the role that young, hardworking people can play in politics and the future of our country. I will definitely carry the lessons I have learnt from my time as councillor in Durban North which has given me so much.
“It is an emotional moment, because I’m happy to be representing the party in parliament, but it’s sad because I’m leaving home. Even though I won’t be here my heart remains in Durban North.”
At 29, Macpherson is one of the youngest people to join the parliamentary team.
Rory Macpherson, former uMhlanga councillor, and Dean’s father addressed a small group of DA supporters at the local coffee shop reminding everyone of the challenges his son faced.
“This is your night and I hope you cherish it. Moments like these are few and far between,” an emotional Rory Machperson said.
“Dean’s overcome every challenge ever put in front of him and that’s a mark of a leader. One day they will write a book about you my boy, and what a fabulous book that will be. This is a tough moment for me because he is still my little boy. I can’t tell you about the pride I feel and I wish you all the success in your new role,” Rory said.
Macpherson added there would now be a ward by-election to choose a new councillor in the area. “I urge the residents to go out and vote and I’m sure they will get behind whoever is chosen.
The party however remains mum on the list of candidates shortlisted for Macpherson’s post.
