Premier’s new cabinet is proof that ANC politics comes before the needs of KZN and its people

Issued by Francois Rodgers, MPL – Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature
11 Aug 2022 in Press Statements

Today’s provincial cabinet announcement by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is a clear sign that the so-called Taliban faction have taken control of the ANC and the KZN legislature.

It is also a very strong indication that the interests of KZN’s people and the future of our province are not being placed ahead of party politics.

While the ANC initially stated that there would be no purging of former MECs, a close look at the new line-up shows that four of the new MEC posts are members of this group. Clearly they have come to collect their dues.

Of particular concern to the DA is the appointment of two MECs despite the clouds of suspicion that remain hanging over their heads. One is new Human Settlements MEC, Ntuthuko Mahlaba who was accused of murder with the charges only dropped after a whistle-blower mysteriously died.

Then there is Peggy Nkonyeni – one of the three Amigos – who has alarmingly been deployed as KZN’s new Finance MEC despite being linked to several suspicious transactions in the Zondo Commission.

It appears that the ANC cannot clean up its act and ensure that competent individuals with clean track records are appointed to these positions.

It is also quite clear that the ANC lacks any depth when it comes to leadership to be able to develop and build a capable and ethical state.

MECs such as Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi in Agriculture and Nonhlanhla Khoza within Social Development is proof of this. Both of these Departments have failed dismally to reach their own objectives.

Meanwhile, the appointment of former Premier, Sihle Zikalala – to what is clearly a token role as CoGTA MEC – will also not stabilize an already unsteady ship.

By now, KZN’s people should be able to see that the writing is on the wall and that they will never be a priority for this ANC-led government. In 2024, they will have the opportunity to vote for a party which puts their needs first and gets things done. That party is the DA.