Tony Leon

Quick Facts

Full Name	Tony Leon
Occupation	Politician
Date Of Birth	Dec 15, 1956(1956-12-15)
Age	68
Birthplace	Durban
Country	South Africa
Birth City	Durban
Horoscope	Aquarius

Tony Leon Biography

Tony Leon is one of the most popular and richest Politician who was born on December 15, 1956 in Durban, Durban, South Africa. Anthony James “Tony” 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 under the ANC government from 2009 to 2012.

At the 1994 general elections, Leon was again elected to Parliament in the first democratic National Assembly, as well as leader of the Democratic Party. At the time, the Democratic Party was perceived as merely a minor party of white liberals, an oddity in the first non-racial democratic government of South Africa. Yet between 1994 and 1999 its seven members managed to become the most vocal, active and involved legislators.

In 2000, Leon married Michal (formerly Even-Zahav) from Israel, the mother of his two stepchildren, Noa and Etai Even-Zahav.

After the 2004 general elections, the DA under Leon had a vote increased by 2.8%, as did the ANC with an increase of 3.3%. These gains came at a cost to three of the five minor opposition parties, with only the Independent Democrats — a newcomer in the elections — also attracting support.

From 1990 to 1994 he chaired the DP’s Bill of Rights Commission, and as such was an advisor to the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and a delegate to the multi-party negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a non-racial democracy in 1994.

Tony Leon Net Worth

Tony Leon is one of the richest Politician from South Africa. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes & Business Insider, Tony Leon 's net worth $5 Million. (Last Update: December 11, 2023)

In 1974 at the age of 18 he became an organiser for the Progressive Party, one of the two opposition parties represented in parliament at the time. After this, he qualified as an attorney at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he was President of the Law Students’ Council and Vice-President of the Students’ Representative Council, and became a lecturer in the Law Department in 1986. He has accredited Harry Schwarz and Helen Suzman as his biggest inspirations. In the same year he was elected to the Johannesburg City Council for Yeoville. When the results for the election were released, it was announced that the NP candidate Sam Bloomberg had won. However Harry Schwarz, his political mentor, uncovered that this was untrue, and Leon was declared the winner. He became leader of the opposition in the city council.

In 1989 he was elected to Parliament for the Houghton constituency, representing the Progressive Party’s successor, the Democratic Party.

In 1998, Leon published his first book on the eve of the second democratic election, entitled ‘Hope & Fear: Reflections of a Democrat’ (Jonathan Ball, 1998). With the second democratic elections in 1999 and the New National Party only retaining 28 seats (down from 82 in 1994), he became Leader of the Opposition as the DP took 38 seats, showing a growth of over five-fold.

Height, Weight & Body Measurements

Tony Leon height Not available right now. Tony weight Not Known & body measurements will update soon.

Who is Tony Leon Dating?

According to our records, Tony Leon married to Michal Leon. As of December 1, 2023, Tony Leon’s is not dating anyone.

Relationships Record : We have no records of past relationships for Tony Leon. You may help us to build the dating records for Tony Leon!

In the last quarter of 2008 Leon was a Visiting Fellow at the Cato Institute Center for Liberty and Global Prosperity in Washington DC. His research paper: The State of Liberal Democracy in Africa – Resurgence or Recession was published in May 2010.

Facts & Trivia

Tony Ranked on the list of most popular Politician. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in South Africa. Tony Leon celebrates birthday on December 15 of every year.

In August 2009, President Zuma appointed Leon as Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. After receiving diplomatic training, Leon took up his post in September. Leon followed many DA and Democratic Party members who became ambassadors, such as Harry Schwarz, Zach de Beer, Douglas Gibson and Sandra Botha.

Top Facts about Tony Leon

1. Tony Leon served as the leader of South Africa’s opposition party.
2. He was a member of parliament for over 20 years.
3. Leon played a key role in ending apartheid in South Africa.
4. He is known for his strong stance against corruption and crime.
5. Leon has authored several books on politics and leadership.
6. He is a respected political analyst and commentator.
7. In 2009, he was appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to Argentina.
8. Leon has received numerous awards for his contributions to democracy.
9. He holds degrees from the University of Witwatersrand and Harvard University.
10. Leon continues to be an influential figure in South African politics today.

Where is Tony Leon now?

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.

How old is Tony Leon?

65 years (December 15, 1956)

Who is Tony Leon's father?

Ramon Leon

Where was Tony Leon born?

Durban, South Africa

Is Tony Leon married?

Michal Leon