DA left out in the cold following NC power-sharing talks

WITH the DA failing to secure any chairperson positions in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, it stated that it would assume its position as the official opposition in the Province.

Votes from the FF+ and PA ensured that Dr Zamani Saul retained his seat as premier after the ANC failed to win an outright majority in the Province.

Following power-sharing talks with the ANC, PA members of the provincial legislature (MPLs) secured three chairperson positions for portfolio committees in the legislature.

FF+ MPL Theo Joubert is the new chairperson of the portfolio committee on co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta).

PA MPL Sharifa Ferris was elected as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on transport, safety and public works and will also serve as a member of the health and social development portfolio.

PA MPL Rashad Jaffer was appointed as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on agriculture, land reform, rural development, environment and conservation, as well as a member of the portfolio committee on Coghsta.

PA MPL David Davids will serve as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on finance, economic development and tourism. He was also appointed as a member of the portfolio on education, sports, arts and culture.

ANC Frances Baard regional chairperson Mangaliso Matika has been appointed as the chairperson of ethics and conduct.

ANC MPL Tsaone McDonald De Huis heads the portfolio committee on education, sports, arts and culture while

ANC MPL Limakatso Koloi is the chairperson for the portfolio on health and social development.

ANC MPL Mirriam Kibi was appointed as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on gender, women, children and persons with disabilities and chairperson on the standing committee of chairpersons.

ANC MPL Norman Shushu is the chairperson of the Premier and Legislature.

ANC MPL Lebogang Motlhaping is the new chairperson of constitutional affairs, petitions and public participation as well as the chairperson of public accounts.

The EFF will serve as members of the various portfolio committees.

FF+ provincial leader Dr Wynand Boshoff said the committee on Coghsta held municipalities accountable.

“Often complaints regarding the incompetence of municipalities fall on deaf ears. The portfolio committee on Coghsta can summon the mayor to explain the situation and can compel them to abide by the rule of law and rectify any wrongdoing. Now that the FF+ is in charge of this committee, we will make a big difference in effective governance and ensuring that duties are performed.”

DA provincial leader Harold McGluwa stated that they would “hit the ground running” as the official opposition in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature.

“The ANC opted to go for ANC, FF+ and PA-led chairperson positions when they won less than 50 percent at the polls, instead of entering into a government of provincial unity.

“Rather than adopting a spirit of unity, proportionality and principles, the ANC prioritised the retention of power. A grand coalition was formed with the FF+ to get the ANC over the finishing line. This is underscored by deals made in respect of the advancement of the independence of Orania and for committee positions with the FF+ and the PA, in return for their votes to secure Dr Zamani Saul’s position as premier.”

McGluwa pointed out that the DA still had the second-largest share of votes in the Province.

“We remain committed to fully represent those that rally behind us. We will dutifully take the responsibility of holding the executive and provincial government departments accountable. We will relentlessly interrogate wrongdoing, serve as the voice of reason, be the instigators of consequence, and remain the champions of the people of this Province as we fight against corruption and unemployment, and for significantly improved service delivery,” said McGluwa.

Meanwhile, former premier Sylvia Lucas and former MEC for Coghsta Kenny Mmoiemang will represent Parliament in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum.

The forum is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of 15 parliaments representing over 3,500 parliamentarians in the SADC region.

The body promotes human rights, gender equality, good governance, democracy, accelerating economic co-operation, development and facilitating networks with inter-parliamentary organisations.