Cleo Wilskut, the 20-year-old MP from the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and South Africa’s youngest Member of Parliament, has announced her resignation just three months after taking office. Her departure has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning her brief tenure and others viewing it as a reflection of the challenges young leaders face in politics.
A Surprising Resignation
Wilskut’s resignation was publicly confirmed in a video shared on social media by PA leader Gayton McKenzie. In the video, Wilskut expressed excitement about focusing on other efforts to help the party expand, even as she steps away from her role in Parliament. She thanked the Patriotic Alliance leadership and its members for their support and shared her ongoing commitment to the party’s mission, emphasizing the slogan “Ons baiza nie,” which means “no surrender, no retreat.”
“I am circulating this video to the general public informing you that I have officially resigned from Parliament,” Wilskut stated. “To the members of the PA, I would say: ons baiza nie, die plan gaan aan [The plan goes on]. Salute,” she added, maintaining a tone of gratitude and optimism for the party’s future.
The Journey of a Young MP
Wilskut made history when she joined Parliament in June at just over 20 years old, becoming South Africa’s youngest MP alongside her colleague Jasmine Petersen, who is 22. Their appointments brought both praise and criticism, as some South Africans applauded the inclusion of young voices in Parliament, while others questioned their readiness for the rigorous demands of legislative work.
The PA’s decision to appoint young members like Wilskut and Petersen reflects a desire to bring fresh perspectives into South African politics. However, Wilskut’s sudden exit has raised questions about the support and preparation that young MPs receive when entering such high-stakes roles.
What’s Next for the PA?
With Wilskut’s resignation, the PA has yet to nominate a formal replacement. Parliament has confirmed her departure but has not announced a timeline for when her successor might take her seat. For now, the party is focused on strengthening its position and advancing its mission with the slogan that Wilskut reiterated in her farewell—”no surrender, no retreat.”
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Wilskut’s resignation has once again highlighted the public debate around the role of young MPs in South African politics. While some see her short tenure as a sign of the barriers young leaders face in adapting to political life, others view her presence in Parliament, however brief, as a step toward more inclusive representation in the country’s political landscape.
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