TODAY's reshuffling of the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet and various portfolio's, by provincial Premier Zweli Mkhize can, with a few exceptions, be likened to the reshuffling of positions within a losing soccer team - an exercise in futility.
The DA is most dissatisfied with the way that the performance of MEC's in their portfolios over the past two years does not seem to have been the main consideration of the Premier. Instead, it appears that internal political and factional interests, and personal loyalties, have been the basis for appointments and demotions. The Premier's actions smack of a disregard for the interests of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Premier has also failed to heed calls by opposition parties for the suspension of MEC Mike Mabuykhulu, as well as KZN Speaker, Peggy Nkonyeni, both of whom have been linked to allegations of fraud and corruption. Furthermore, in merely shifting MEC Meshack Radebe to another portfolio, which has an even bigger budget, he has also shown scant regard for the ongoing allegations of incompetence regarding Radebe.
Meshack Radebe - Agriculture MEC;
The re-deployment of an MEC such as Meshack Radebe, who has failed dismally in his task as Social Development MEC, is scandalous. Instead of uplifting the lives of KwaZulu-Natal's poorest, he has shown more interest in parading around the province in his helicopter,
The DA welcomes the removal of Lydia Johnson from her position as Agriculture MEC. Johnson has failed to come to grips with this important portfolio during the past two and a half years. She will now chair the province's Health portfolio committee.
Wesiwe Thusi - Social Development MEC;
The DA is unsure of what of Thusi will be able to offer this department. It will be a case of sink or swim as she battles to regain control of a department that can be likened to a rudderless ship.
Ravi Pillay - Human Settlement and Public Works MEC;
Pillay, the former Chief Whip to the ANC in the KZN Legislature, is the province's new Public Works and Human Settlement MEC, a task which he will test him to the full. Pillay has not shown himself to be a strong leader during his tenure as Chief Whip. He inherits a department plagued with problems. Maggie Govender's removal from the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet is welcomed by the Democratic Alliance.
Makhosi Koza - ANC Chief Whip;
The DA welcomes the appointment of former SCOPA chairperson, Makhosi Khoza, as Chief Whip to the ANC caucus in the legislature, where she will replace Pillay. Ms Khoza has done an excellent job in her role within SCOPA.
Ntombi Sibidla - Arts and Culture/Sports and Recreation MEC;
Sibidla is the former Chairperson of the Youth Commission in KZN, where she was a big spender with little to show for it in terms of substantial programmes aimed at the youth.
The future of our province continues to be placed at stake. The DA, however, remains committed to finding solutions to the problems in our country and in KwaZulu-Natal. With this as our goal we will strive to create a good working relationship with the new appointees.
We believe that the Premier needs to be open and honest about the criteria used to make cabinet changes. There is a lot more that the Premier needs to say to the people of this province.
Statement issued by Sizwe Mchunu, MPP, Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature, November 15 2011
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