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Tony Leon | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Leon in 2021 | |
| Ambassador of South Africa to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay | |
| In office September 2009 – October 2012 | |
| President | Jacob Zuma |
| Succeeded by | Zenani Mandela-Dlamini |
| 15th Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office June 1999 – 5 May 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Marthinus van Schalkwyk |
| Succeeded by | Sandra Botha |
| Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance | |
| In office 24 June 2000 – 5 May 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Helen Zille |
| Federal Leader of the Democratic Party | |
| In office April 1994 – 24 June 2000 | |
| Preceded by | Zach de Beer |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Member of the National Assembly of South Africa | |
| In office April 1994 – 2009 | |
| Member of the House of Assembly of South Africa (abolished in 1994) | |
| In office September 1989 – April 1994 | |
| Constituency | Houghton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Anthony James Leon 15 December 1956 Durban, Natal Province, Union of South Africa |
| Political party | Democratic Alliance (2000-present) |
| Other political affiliations |
|
| Spouse(s) | Michal Leon (née Even-Zahav) (m. 2000) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Witwatersrand |
| Occupation |
|
| Profession | Lawyer |
Anthony James Leon (born 15 December 1956) is a South African politician who served as leader of the opposition from 1999-2007 as leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA). He led the DA from its inception in 2000, until his retirement from leadership in 2007. Before that, he led the Democratic Party from 1994. He is the longest-serving leader of the official opposition in parliament since the advent of democracy in 1994. Although still a member of the DA, he served as the South African Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay under the African National Congress government from 2009 to 2012.
Since 2012, Leon has been serving as Executive Chairman of Resolve Communications (Pty) Ltd - a South African-based advocacy for reputation management and strategic communications consultancy, and a consultant to various international companies. Leon is also a contracted columnist to Arena Holdings Ltd, with his columns appearing weekly or monthly in Business Day, Sunday Times, and BusinessLive. He is also the author of five books.