In responding to the reported cabinet re-shuffle in KwaZulu-Natal, the Inkatha Freedom Party in the province believes that the need for the re-shuffle must be based on the need to improve service delivery and not on settling political scores.
“We are concerned that if this proposal is being influenced by the political infighting within the ruling party, it can serve to increase violence in the province. Presently we are seeing sitting ANC councillors and candidates for the local government elections being killed because of positions. It would be very sad if the proposed re-shuffle is being used as a vehicle to settle political scores or to reward those who support a particular grouping within the ANC. A cabinet re-shuffle should always be based on the need to improve service delivery and placing the needs of our people at the apex of the provincial government’s list of priorities. In appointing a premier and MECs it is important to consider competence, experience and qualifications of the incumbents and not the political cabal which they are associated with. We hope that the decision to re-shuffle the cabinet is based on service delivery priorities and not for political expediency”, said IFP National Chairman and Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“As politicians we do understand that when there are two centres of power in a province, there will be tensions. So we accept that there might be a need to re-shuffle the cabinet as a normal political process which could be a consequence of the incumbent premier not being the chairman of his party in the province. One needs to remember that when such a re-shuffle occurs, there is a ripple effect that will impact on provincial and departmental policies as well as staff who are employed in the affected departments. Political uncertainty can also have negative economic implications. Therefore we hope the process is managed in the interest of the province as a whole”, concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
Hon Blessed Gwala
IFP National Chairman and IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
For Media Queries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase
IFP KZN Legislature Media Officer
073 024 5675