Chris Hattingh

Christian Hattingh is a South African politician and a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's official opposition. He holds the distinction of being the longest serving member of the North West Provincial Legislature,^[1] before moving to the National Council of Provinces, the upper house of parliament in Cape Town, in 2015.

Background

Hattingh completed his school career at the Potchefstroom Gymnasium and did basic military training at the 4th Field Regiment and the School of Artillery. He served as a Citizen Force officer in various positions in the Regiment Potchefstroom University and finally for seven years as the commanding officer.

He started practising as a community pharmacist in Potchefstroom after obtaining a B.Sc. (Pharm) degree at the Potchefstroom University – a career he pursued until 1999.^[2]

Career in Politics

Upon first entering politics, Hattingh managed to win a seat on the Potchefstroom City Council in 1988 as an independent candidate, defeating his opponent from the National Party, the dominant party in the town at the time. He was re-elected on the same basis in 1995. He joined the Democratic Party, a previously small party that was on a rapid upward curve in minority constituencies, in 1998. This gave the DP its first elected seat in the North West. By 1999, Hattingh was elected provincial leader of the DP and was elected to the provincial legislature later the same year. He would hold both positions for 16 years. The party was renamed Democratic Alliance in 2000.

Hattingh led the North West DA to consistent growth in each national election, improving the party's position from the 1 seat earned in 1999 to winning 4 seats in 2014. During his tenure the DA even briefly governed Tlokwe Local Municipality, which included Potchefstroom, in 2013 after their political opponents were divided by infighting. Hattingh finally decided to step down as provincial leader in 2015, and left the legislature later the same year. Despite having been a firm critic of the governing African National Congress, he received a warm farewell from ANC officials, whom commended him for his institutional knowledge and support to newer members.^[3]

He currently serves as the DA's North West representative in the National Council Provinces.

References

1. ↑ "Hattingh moves to the NCOP". The New Age. 12 November 2015. Hattingh served as a member of the provincial legislature for about 17 years and he stands as the longest serving member of the institution 
2. ↑ People's Assembly
3. ↑ "North West Legislature bids farewell to Chris Hattingh". South African Government. 12 November 2015.