Statement by John Steenhuisen MP – Leader of the Democratic Alliance:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Errol Knott Moorcroft, former Federal Chairperson of the Democratic Party.
Errol was a dedicated servant of South Africa’s democratic journey and a respected figure within our party and across the political landscape. His contributions to our nation and to the fight for democracy cannot be overstated.
Born in January 1940, EK was educated at Queen’s College, Grootfontein Agricultural College (where he was elected as a student leader) and Rhodes University, before winning an Abe Bailey scholarship to attend Oxford University where he won a blue for rugby (at which he also represented Eastern Province and was a Springbok trialist), from where he graduated in 1967. Fluent in isiXhosa, and born into a farming family, he possessed a lifelong love for nature and especially for trees.
Elected as the Progressive Federal Party member for Albany in 1981, he became a member of the Senate in 1994 (after 1997, the National Council of Provinces) when the then Democratic Party had just seven parliamentary seats. He succeeded Ken Andrew as the federal chairperson in 1997, returning to the National Assembly in 1999, serving as the Shadow Minister of the Environment and later the spokesperson on Agriculture, Land Affairs, Tourism, Water Affairs, and Forestry. He retired from politics in 2004 to farm once again at Clifton Farm near Adelaide.
As Federal Chairperson he worked tirelessly to advance the cause of democracy and to ensure that South Africa remained on a path towards an inclusive future.
His leadership and wisdom, always tinged with self-deprecating humour, offered a beacon within the party and for others across the political spectrum.
On behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I extend my deepest condolences to EK’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
He will be missed, but his legacy will endure through the many lives he touched and the progress he helped bring to our nation.
Romance Guppy
Fun South African Fact: What about beer? South African brewery SABMiller ranks – by volume – as the largest brewing company in the world. Saffers love their beer…but the real reason the brewery is so big? SABMiller also supplies up to 50% of China’s beer.
Nessie
The child who claims to know as many proverbs as his father should be allowed to pay taxes