James Lorimer (South African politician)


James Lorimer is a South African politician, a Member of Parliament with the Democratic Alliance, and the Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources. He has served as a deputy spokesperson on Parliament's defence and basic education committees, and was first elected to the National Assembly in 2009.

Education

Lorimer was born in Johannesburg in 1962 and educated at St Stithians College.
While still at University, Lorimer began work as a freelance journalist and achieved a post on South Africa's first independent radio station, Capital Radio from 1981.
He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a BA degree.

Early career

Lorimer worked for International Broadcasting Services in London in the mid-1980s and on completion of His South African military service, was appointed Capital Radio's Deputy News and Sports Editor in 1989, advancing to Editor within two years.
He also worked freelance for among others, US National Public Radio and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
After a contract as morning news anchor on Radio 702 during South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994 Lorimer started Network Radio Services in 1995, serving as its Chief Executive Officer for four years.
From 1999, Lorimer acted as a media consultant and trainer in South Africa and in Indonesia, East Timor, Tanzania, Sudan and Thailand.

Political career

In 2003, he entered politics as Tony Leon's Media Director, thereafter progressing to the national media team and as the Media and Research Director for the DA caucus in the Gauteng Legislature. He currently serves as the Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources.

Family life and hobbies

He is married to Paddi Clay and they have a son.
His interests are angling and oriental studies.

Offices held