The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) rejects with contempt, the attack launched on KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers by the ANC Youth League in the province.
The statement by the league, reads as a laundry list of objections to good governance, ethical leadership and financial controls imposed by MEC Rodgers on a province that under the ANC, saw a total collapse of all of these metrics. This left the MEC with the unenviable task of reducing the budget deficit left by the ANC of R9 billion. In just one year, MEC Rodgers has cut this deficit in half.
The DA does not expect the ANC in KZN to buy into this as it stands in complete opposition to what they are used to, which is unchecked power and uncontrolled spending.
While the ANCYL KZN may protest at the advances the DA is making in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), we will certainly defend our MEC’s from unwarranted attacks from doing their jobs no matter how difficult that may be for other parties to accept.
The DA in KZN will not relent nor negotiate on ensuring accountability and consequence management for senior officials who continue to ignore treasury regulations and legislation.
The ANCYL would do well to remind itself that its mother-body was reduced from 54% in 2019 to a mere 17% in 2024 because of its approach to governance and finances in the province. They can either learn from this message from the electorate or carry on with the road to self-destruction. The DA in KZN will not intervene in that exercise.
The DA in KZN wants to reiterate our call to all political parties in the GPU to get behind the joint program of action and deliver for the people of the province instead of engaging in political posturing and empty threats.
We are certainly committed to playing our part in the government and will continue to play our role in rebuilding the province of KwaZulu-Natal that delivers growth and jobs for everyone.