Phumzile van Damme MP is known for packing some serious political punch. With the recent launch of DA Leader Mmusi Maimane’s team, it’s official; she’s the face of the fight against corruption. 

 

ChangeMaker (CM): Tell us about how you grew up.

Phumzile van Damme (PVD): I grew up in a family of strong women. I was taught from an early age that my strength lies within. I was taught to stand up and stand strong. My late grandmother, a great matriarch is my hero. She was afraid of no one and spoke her mind. In meetings where only men were allowed to speak, she would stand up and speak. She valued education and made sure that not only her own children, but her grandchildren excelled in school. From her I learnt my courage, the value of hard work, and the pursuit of excellence.

 

CM: How did you become a member of the DA, was there an aha moment?

PVD: I applied for a job at the DA after the 2009 election after finishing university. I had studied politics and the opportunity to work in Parliament was amazing. I was a disgruntled ANC supporter, and as I studied for the interview, I saw that the DA’s values were similar to my own. I am a liberal who firmly believes in the agency of individuals, minimal government interference in people’s lives. That was my aha moment.

 

CM: You must have been very young when you were inducted into Parliament. How do you feel about young parliamentarians – especially young female parliamentarians, like yourself or Hlomela Bucwa (the youngest MP), taking on such a large responsibility so young?

PVD: Most people take up politics at in their late 40s and 50s once they have had life experience and raised their children. Being a young politician can be emotionally taxing if you do not have the right support systems. My advice to young politicians would be to make sure they have an adequate work/life balance, it is important to take time for yourself and self-care. Talk to your friends, family and colleagues if you are struggling. There is no shame in admitting so. The DA is the only party where young people are given the platform to lead. I have the honour of being the DASO Western Cape Constituency Head, I am constantly amazed at the talent the party has coming up in the ranks. The future of our country is indeed in good hands. May those young leaders be nurtured, supported and allowed platforms to lead.

 

CM: We all remember how #WhiteMonopolyCapital suddenly became a buzzword on Twitter. We later learned that it was no arbitrary trend, it was part of a calculated strategy to divide South Africans along racial lines in order to conceal large-scale corruption by our former president and company, and the Guptas: what we all know as ‘state capture’. You took bold action against state capture, what was it like fighting the David and Goliath-like battle?

PVD: I remember the flight to London for the Bell Pottinger Hearing [the British PR agency who executed the campaign]. I spent all night reading and re-reading my notes. I was to appear before a panel of the best PR experts in the UK to present our case. I was nervous, yes, but my determination and quest for justice was stronger. I went in there, not afraid of Goliath, presented our case and defeated Goliath in his own backyard. The social media space and its abuse for nefarious interests is an issue that continues to interest me, and one I am ardently working on.

 

CM: And this wasn’t your first high profile fight. You also helped reveal that high level employees at the SABC, like Hlaudi Motsoeneng, were giving themselves enormous pay cheques with our public broadcaster’s funding. What motivates you to keep exposing the relentless rot at the SABC?

PVD: My motivation at all times is for justice. I am a shy, introverted person, but in the face of injustice a fire is lit in my belly and I do not stop until there is justice. Once I set my mind to a goal, I do not stop until it is achieved.

 

CM: In his speech announcing his core team, which included you as the spokesperson on corruption, Mmusi showed a video that used a social experiment to encourage South Africans to put their differences aside and work together. What were your thoughts on this video?

PVD: It was goose bumps-inducing. I am lucky to come from a family of all races, nationalities, religions and cultures. Our differences are what binds us together as a family, and the same applies to South Africa. I am personally very angered by those who seek to exploit those difference to divide us. Our beauty lies in how we have unique differences as communities and individuals.

 

CM: As the spokesperson on corruption, what would you do to fight corruption if the DA was to get into national government after the 2019 national elections?

PVD: The DA’s manifesto for fighting the scourge of corruption is clear and I would implement it with relentless vigour. No one would escape the long arm of the law.

 

CM: When you’re not waging fierce battles in Parliament, where do you find solace in your personal life?

PVD: I find solace in my husband, who is my anchor. I find solace in my family who love me unconditionally. I find solace in my friends who support me unwaveringly and belly-aching laughs. I also find solace in myself and solitude. I am at my happiest listening to my favourite music lost in my own thoughts. I am also a bit of a film geek, I enjoy watching art house movies.

 

CM: What are you currently listening to?

PVD: 6LACK. He’s been on repeat for almost three weeks now.

 

CM: Which book do you think everyone should read?

PVD: I am a great fan of African literature. At the moment I am into poetry. Song of Lawino, an epic poem written by Ugandan poet Okot p’Bitek is worth a read.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0JidvB33vM&vl=en%5D