The Patriotic Alliance's MP, Cleo Wilskut, the youngest member of Parliament in South Africa's history, has resigned.
The 20-year-old resigned from the house three months after she was sworn-in.
Her resignation was announced on social media in a video posted by the party leader Gayton McKenzie. In the clip, Wilskut revealed her excitement about helping the party expand despite her decision to resign.
“I am circulating this video to the general public informing you that I have officially resigned from Parliament.
“I would like to thank the leadership of the Patriotic Alliance and I am looking forward to growing the party forever,” she said.
She further thanked the PA members for their support and commitment to helping the party grow.
“To the members of the PA, I would say: ons baiza nie, die plan gaan aan. [The plan goes on] Salute,” she said.
“Ons baiza nie” is the party’s slogan which states that no surrender, no retreat.
Parliament has reportedly confirmed that the Wilskut has resigned and the party has not put forward any member to formally replace her.
Together with fellow PA MP Jasmine Petersen, who is 22-years-old, Wilskut became South Africa's youngest MP in June at the age of barely 20 years and one month.
Social media was divided on their appointments. Some questioned whether these young MPs were adequately equipped for the demands of legislative work, while others applauded the enlistment of young people in the political process.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics