New DA KZN Caucus team ready to add value to Legislature

Issued by Francois Rodgers MPL – Chief Whip to the DA in the KZN Legislature
22 May 2019 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Find attached here a sound-bite by Francois Rodgers MPL and a list of DA MPLs, their contact details and portfolios, attached here .

The Democratic Alliance today welcomed its new Caucus team for the 6th administration of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, with the swearing-in of MPL’s taking place earlier this morning.

Find picture attached here.

The 2019 National Elections saw the DA increase its support base in KZN from 12.76% in 2014 to 13.9% this year. The result is that the DA has increased its number of seats in the KZN Legislature to 11, with an additional NCOP representative.

The DA’s new KZN Legislature Caucus includes;

  • Zwakele Mncwango, MPL who returns as Caucus Leader and DA KZN Spokesperson on Office of the Premier and Royal Household
  • Francois Rodgers, MPL who returns as Caucus Chief Whip and DA KZN Spokesperson on Finance and Scopa
  • Mbali Ntuli, MPL who returns to the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). This after an a year’s absence while fulfilling the role of DA Provincial Campaigns Director ahead of the national election
  • Dr Rishigen Viranna, MPL who returns to the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Health
  • Dr Imran Keeka, MPL who returns to the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Education
  • Former DA Ethekwini Councillor, Chris Pappas, MPL who joins the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Agriculture
  • Former DA Ethekwini Councillor and Exco Member, Heinz de Boer MPL who joins the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
  • Sharon Hoosen, MPL who returns to the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety & Liaison and Transport
  • Former DA KZN Provincial Director, Elma Rabe, MPL who joins the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Social Development
  • Former DA Ethekwini Councillor, Martin Meyer, MPL who joins the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Human Settlements and Public Works
  • Former DA Ethekwini Councillor, Bradley Singh, MPL, who joins the Caucus as DA KZN Spokesperson on Arts and Culture and Sport and Recreation and;
  • Former National Assembly Scopa Member, Tim Brauteseth, MP – who joins the Caucus as National Council of Provinces (NCOP) representative.

Both the DA’s new and returning Caucus members have been elected through an intensive internal party process. We are proud of these individuals who we believe have the greatest contribution to make within the Legislature. We look forward to seeing them make their mark within their individual portfolios as they continue to hold the ANC-run provincial government to account.

The only true opposition party in the KZN Legislature, both in terms of effective oversight and alternatives is the DA. We will continue to uphold this role as we work hard to ensure that the lives of all KZN’s citizens are improved. Our work will be guided by the following two principles;

  • Holding government accountable
  • Putting forward new and credible alternatives to government plans and policies.

We thank the people of KZN who have voted for us, placing their trust in us over the next five year term. Our role has never been more important as we commit to upholding the country’s Constitutional Democracy and work towards building One South Africa for All.