Last week the provincial Legislature’s programme for this year came to a close. While some progress has been achieved in delivering basic services, there have been serious setbacks. 

Perhaps most notably, the Legislature voted on and passed, thanks to the ANC majority boosted by the latest floor-crossing, the infamous 13th Constitutional Amendment Bill which incorporates Matatiele into the much poorer and more corrupt Eastern Cape against the explicit wishes of the residents, voiced in what turned out to be bogus public hearings. 

Similarly, the people of KwaZulu Natal have had to endure another annual round of costly political jamborees, known as izimbizo and Taking Parliament to the People. The main preoccupation of these has not been, as one would expect, promotion of service delivery but rather that of the ruling party. 

Alarmingly, the Legislature has not had the opportunity - given various creative excuses on the part of the ruling party - to carry out its oversight role in some of this year’s most pressing issues such as: the forensic investigation into mismanagement and overspending in the Department of Agriculture; the investigation into the tenure of former Head of Department of Health Dr Busi Nyembezi; or the investigation into the Board of Ezemvelo Wildlife; to name a few. 

Some outstanding reports such as the Alexander Report on Taxi Industry or the Booysen Report on Department of Housing purchases - initiated as far back as during my time as Premier - still – three years into ANC administration – have not been tabled by the Legislature. This will tell you something about this government’s commitment to transparent governance. 

As Leader of the Official Opposition, I would like to see the KwaZulu Natal Legislature approach its oversight obligations to the South African citizen and taxpayer with considerably more vigour and dedication in the New Year 2008.

Dr Lionel Mtshali MPP
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902