Maimane receives support from unexpected corners

Former Democratic Alliance leader, Mmusi Maimane, has received unexpected support in the wake of this resignation not only as the leader of the official opposition but also a member of the DA. 

While former President Thabo Mbeki responded by raising concern over racist tendencies in the DA, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, offered words of encouragement to Maimane on social media. 

ALSO READ: Racist tendencies in the DA very worrying if true: Mbeki responding to Maimane's resignation

Responding to the Tweet where Maimane noted that he had resigned from the DA, Malema Tweeted: "You are a good human being, don't be discouraged, my big brother."

The backing for Maimane from Malema came as a breath fo fresh air after some opposition parties were not as gracious about the developments in the official opposition. 

Former DA leader and current leader of the GOOD party, Patricia de Lille, notably celebrated his resignation. 

With the sudden resignation of both Maimane and federal chairperson Athol Trollip, the party has been left in a leadership crisis.

Since then chief whip John Steenhuisen has had to vacate his parliamentary position, leaving the embattled party in a lurch.

According to the party's constitution, in the event the leader is unable to fulfill his duties the federal chairperson takes up the position.

ALSO READ: What does the DA constitution say about the next leader?

However, spokesperson Refiloe Ntsekhe admits they weren't prepared for what transpired on Wednesday.

"Our constitution has said the federal chairperson deputises the federal leader, but we never took into consideration the possibility of them leaving at the same time," says Ntsekhe.