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Former DA Eastern Cape provincial leader Eddie Trent, 80, died Thursday of natural causes.
In a statement Saturday, the Eastern Cape District Attorney said Trent fought for justice for all and non-racism, and that he was both a bridge builder and a nation builder.
A former member of the provincial legislature (MPL) and MP, Trent was described by the current leader of the Eastern Cape party, Bobby Stevenson, as a political giant in the province’s history.
“I have worked with Eddie since 1983 and he always had the time of day for everyone, helping thousands of voters. He was a humble person who could relate to everyone. He showed true courage and tenacity, not only in the fight against apartheid, but also because of the liberal values he believed in. “
Trent had a long history in opposition politics, having served as a public representative in various positions from 1981 to 2009.
He represented the central Port Elizabeth constituency on the former provincial council along with fellow Federal Progressive Party (PFP) Molly Blackburn.
He was later elected a member of the old national assembly, where he served until 1994.
Eddie was a staunch opponent of apartheid and a strong advocate of democratic administration. In 1994 he was elected as the sole member of the Democratic Party of the EC Provincial Legislature, where he played a key role in establishing the new parliament. He was absolutely fearless in speaking out against corruption and mismanagement, and earned the respect of his opponents for his tough and no-nonsense approach. “
When the DA was formed in 2000, he was elected as the first Eastern Cape provincial leader.
“He traveled the length and breadth of the Eastern Cape, filled with a passionate desire to build a solid alternative to the ANC. Eddie laid the foundation for the rapid growth of the DA in the Eastern Cape. When he left the legislature in 2004, he received a standing ovation from all parties as a show of deep respect. “
Then-Prime Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, paying tribute to Trent’s role, said: “We are giving him a mandate to fight for our province in the national parliament.”
In 2004, Trent was elected a member of the National Assembly. He then retired in 2009, leaving a proud legacy of distinguished service to the city and province.
He came from a political family that served in Parliament and on the Nelson Mandela Bay council.
His father-in-law was a former deputy and mayor of Port Elizabeth and his late wife, Elizabeth Trent, was the leader of the opposition on the Nelson Mandela Bay council.
“The Trent family was deeply immersed in Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay politics for decades and their legacy lives on. The Eastern Cape District Attorney sends our deepest condolences to his three children, family and friends, and we wish them all the strength they need in their time of grief, ”said Stevenson.
TimesLIVE
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