The new cabinet announced by Premier Oscar Mabuyane today have their work cut out for them as they tackle the systemic challenges in their respective portfolios.
The Democratic Alliance welcomes Premier Mabuyane’s commitment to focus on economic growth in the province after he announced that he was splitting the Department of Finance from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism.
The Eastern Cape has the highest unemployment rate in the country, so it is vital that the government builds a province that will attract investment and create jobs.
This includes tackling the province’s significant road maintenance backlog, which Premier Mabuyane recently admitted would take at least 50 years to clear. It is vital that Xolile Nqatha, the reappointed MEC of Roads and Transport, find innovative ways of addressing these challenges.
MEC Nqatha must also ensure that the Scholar Transport programme is prioritised, to ensure that no child is left behind and loses out on an education due to a failing government programme.
Education MEC, Fundile Gade, must work closely with MEC Nqatha, to ensure that the learners entrusted to his care receive the assistance they need from the Transport Department. MEC Gade must also address the significant drop-out rates in the province.
The DA has also noted the appointment of Ntandokazi Capa to the position of MEC for Health. This is a huge portfolio for a new, as yet untested member of the legislature. Capa will have her work cut out for her as she tackles the systemic problems in her Department, and the DA will closely monitor her performance.
The combination of the Human Settlements Department with Public Works, under MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, is noted with concern. Both departments have failed to deliver on their respective mandates for years. While the merge makes sense in theory, Public Works has failed to deliver on critical infrastructure projects for several years, while Human Settlements has consistently failed to deliver on housing targets. Both Departments lack project management skills, and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The DA, as the official opposition, will monitor each portfolio closely to ensure good governance and accountability. I will be announcing our shadow cabinet early next week, which will be tasked with monitoring their respective portfolios and ensuring that their counterparts are held to account.
We will continue to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and improved living conditions for all.
The DA will continue to fight for a government that puts the people of the Eastern Cape first.