The IFP Caucus in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature welcomes the resignation of Premier Sihle Zikalala, which has been long overdue. The writing was on the wall, following Zikalala’s embarrassing defeat at the ANC KZN Provincial Conference two weeks ago, and his unceremonious treatment by Conference.
Zikalala’s ejection from the Office of Premier will bring relief to the people of KwaZulu-Natal in a variety of ways, as it is the beginning of the final ejection of the ANC in 2024 by the people of this province.
Premier Zikalala has been the worst Premier of KZN since the advent of democracy. Almost all departments under Zikalala’s tenure were implicated in corruption-related activities. However, it has to be remembered that Zikalala was not operating alone but was the leader of an ANC ‘collective’ in the province, which is what the ANC call themselves. In all aspects of leadership – as Premier and as Chairperson – where he has failed this province, he failed together with his collective. The logical conclusion is that the ANC collective has failed the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Further, it is of concern to the IFP – and should be of concern to the people of KwaZulu-Natal – that whenever the ANC meets at its elective conferences, the primary objective has become the unseating of a sitting Premier and not the needs of the people of this province. This has become an endemic trend for ANC conferences in this province and does not benefit the people of KwaZulu-Natal in any way.
This trend will end on the day the ANC loses power in this province. That will be the day when youth employment; economic development; quality education; proper healthcare; meaningful service delivery; a return to the rule of law; fighting crime and lawlessness; food security and social services; good road infrastructure and maintenance of existing infrastructure; water provision; waste management services; environmental protection and tourism upliftment; and proper recognition of the role of Traditional Leadership will all be restored to the provincial agenda, and become the primary objectives of the government of KwaZulu-Natal.
For now, we can only wish Hon. Zikalala well in his future endeavours, and hope that his departure will not amount to more instability in government. We await the new Premier, who we will hold accountable for all the outstanding investigations.
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Contact
Hon. VF Hlabisa
Leader of the Official Opposition in KZN and President of the IFP
082 873 3685