DR LPHM MTSHALI MPP
LEADER OF THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION

Honourable Speaker,

The provincial Legislature’s programme for this year has come 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 to carry out its oversight role in some of this year’s most pressing issues. One of the most significant issues that will continue to haunt this government in the New Year is undoubtedly the forensic investigation into mismanagement and overspending in the Department of Agriculture. 

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.

The end of this year also marks the end of a remarkable ten-year service to the people of KwaZulu Natal of Mrs Lauretta Ngcobo as Member of this House for the Inkatha Freedom Party. 

Mrs Ngcobo has served her constituents and her party with distinction and utmost dedication. Her time as Chairperson of the NCOP portfolio committee has probably been her most rewarding. The image of Mrs Ngcobo, fighting for her party on the former Executive Board with the Von Klemperer/Potgieter Report under discussion, will always be on my mind. My caucus joins me in wishing Mrs Ngcobo all the best she may wish for in her retirement: good health and happiness. 

We in the Official Opposition also wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2008. May you spend your festive season in health, peace and prosperity among your loved ones. 

At the same time, we realise that not everyone's festive season will be merry, peaceful or prosperous. There are many who still go to bed hungry every night in this country and province. There are still too many vulnerable individuals whose prospects for improvement remain bleak. 

Our thoughts will be with them. We will think of them and extend our private charity to them: to orphans, to children who head households, to abused women and to the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. 

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year to all.

I thank you.

Contact: Dr LPHM Mtshali, 083 256 4902