The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Office of the Premier’s (OTP) mission statement to enhance good and co-operative governance within our province. Prioritising a capable, ethical and developmental state is paramount to achieving the priorities set out by this department.
Having said this, the DA will continue – as part of the Government of Provincial Unit (GPU) – to emphasize the need for greater transparency and accountability within the OTP to ensure that public resources are used efficiently and ethically. In addition, we will continue to advocate for stronger governance mechanisms and oversight of government activities, including those of the OTP, to prevent corruption and maladministration. The residents of KZN who voted for the DA in the 2024 National Election can be assured that the DA’s role has not changed as part of the GPU.
The DA welcomes the initiatives taken by KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli, many of which are in line with our election pledges. These include the creation of a strong provincial economy to support job creation; the reduction of poverty levels and efforts to tackle the high cost of living; and the prioritisation of improved service delivery within our communities. We further commend the Premier’s commitment to effective oversight within all areas of government. The OTP holds a significant position in the governance structure of our province as it is responsible for setting KZN’s direction and priorities. The DA therefore commends the solid framework from which the GPU will usher in a new period of growth.
It is no secret that service-delivery is at an all-time low within most KZN municipalities. The DA will ensure that the OTP adequately addresses the needs of KZN’s residents, particularly in areas which have been long forgotten. Political interference in administrative processes, leading to decisions which are not in the public’s best interest, are a thing of the past under the GPU. Our local government structures now need to be empowered to ensure that proper service delivery is applied to all citizens.
The OTP must also coordinate government activities with various departments, municipalities and other stakeholders in the province to ensure effective governance and service delivery. While the department’s overarching plans provide a strong support structure, efficiency and effectiveness will be seen in policy implementation by the OTP.
During this 7th administration, the OTP must provide the leadership needed to take KZN forward. The OTP is responsible for ensuring transparency, good governance, and effective use of public resources and the DA will ensure that these resources are allocated equitably to promote growth and development across our province.
The buck must also stop with the OTP when it comes to corruption and the Premier needs to provide KZN’s people with the assurance that there will be zero tolerance for maladministration and the abuse of government funds. The DA will be watching closely to see how he and his department manage corruption allegations and ensure quick and efficient disciplinary measures while protecting whistleblowers. KZN needs professional, fit-for-purpose employees in government service and the Premier has the DA’s full support in this regard as we work to ensure clean governance in our province.
That we are now part of KZN’s GPU does not in any way mean that we have relinquished our effective oversight role. Instead, the contrary is true. Now that we are in government, our oversight will be intensified as we fulfil our promise to the millions of South Africans that voted for us.
The DA believes that if the OTP leads the way – by committing to running an office free from scandal, mismanagement and maladministration – that other departments will follow suit. We remain committed to ensuring that funds disseminated from this office reach KZN’s most deserving citizens, rather than the pockets of tenderpreneurs.
KZN’s people have given the GPU a gift which must not misuse or abuse the opportunity we have to turn our province around. We dare not fail our citizens – the consequences will be devastating. In as much as we are holding hands together as builders to ensure the success of the GPU, we must also never forget that there are breakers out there – like vultures circling above – waiting for us to fail so that they can feed at the trough.
There are formidable challenges ahead and KZN’s GPU must confront them together if we are to lift the most vulnerable in society out of poverty, jumpstart the economy, and build KZN. Building for the future is not just about fiscal sustainability, it is about developing the right policies and ensuring that they are implemented now. We must work better now, for the future.
While the DA is firmly committed to working with Premier Ntuli we will not forget that we serve at the behest of the electorate. It is to the people of KZN that we are accountable to. KZN’s GPU must work harder than ever before, with purpose and determination, to ensure our province and its citizens keep succeeding. Let us not squander this moment in our country’s history. Let us work together, with renewed purpose and commitment in the service of the people of our beautiful province.