The newly appointed Eastern Cape Cabinet, announced by Premier Oscar Mabuyane this afternoon, is the one of the most inexperienced that the Eastern Cape has had, and will be hard pressed to turn the province around.
While we congratulate the MECs on their appointments, and wish them well in their endeavours, we also know the challenges that lie ahead of them. Key areas of concern are the collapsing local government structures, with several municipalities across the province in dire need of urgent intervention, as well as the growing unemployment levels. The Eastern Cape has the highest unemployment rate in the country, at 37,4%.
These Cabinet members have their work cut for them if they are to put the Eastern Cape back on a path that will create jobs and delivery quality services to the people of this province.
As the official opposition in the province, we are willing to work with the new executive in the interests of the people, and hope that they will be open to discussion on critical issues. Where the DA governs, we have shown that even under harsh economic circumstances there can be growth, job creation, and improving living conditions for all – especially the poor.
We are also committed to fulfilling our oversight role and will continue to hold the newly elected leadership to account.
What the Eastern Cape needs is strong leadership, an unrelenting consequence management system that will hold those responsible of wrongdoing to account, and an honest commitment to serve the people of this province.
The jury is still out as to whether this Cabinet will be able to do so.