THE recent appointment of DA members to the diplomatic service is a sign that the party is patriotic.

Often we are accused of being unpatriotic and anti-government, but being in opposition does not mean you are anti-everything. It means engaging in the battle of ideas and fighting to solve thecountry's problems.

I hope the appointments prove that the DA cares for this country and its success and wants to see it succeed and occupy a prestigious place internationally . The high quality of members appointed indicates the calibre of talent and skills we have in this country and that we can showcase to the world.

I congratulate them.

Stevens Mokgalapa, DA: International relations