Dear MyPE The DA showed excellent growth in yesterday's by-election in Ward 5 of the Tsolwana Municipality (Hofmeyr and Tarkastad). A vacancy arose after the resignation of an independent councillor. Our candidate, Jomo Blom, won 810 votes (37.6%) against the ANC's 1 344 votes (62.4%). The DA increased its support from 7% in the last local government elections to 37.6% and up from 31% in the general elections in May this year. This is an indication of the continuous growth and support … [Read more...] about DA shows excellent growth in Tsolwana by-election
athol trollip
DA lays complaint with IEC against ANC
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance has today laid a complaint with the provincial Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) against the ANC for a violation of the code of conduct for elections. This code was signed for the ward 40 by-election on 28 July 2014 by all parties. The DA was prevented by the ANC from holding a public meeting in the Kuyga Community Hall on Sunday, 3 August. This was not some innocent mistake by the ANC or mix-up of bookings but a deliberate attempt to sabotage our … [Read more...] about DA lays complaint with IEC against ANC
Speaker’s ruling vindicates DA stance
The DA is delighted that the Speaker, Noxolo Kiviet, has ruled that my original question to the Premier relating to funding for the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela be resubmitted as a matter of priority. We are also delighted that the original question has been referred directly to the Chief Parliamentary Officer for editing purposes in order to avoid having the import, pitch nor substance of the original question being abrogated/changed. This ruling is very significant, as it … [Read more...] about Speaker’s ruling vindicates DA stance
Legislature blocks Trollip’s question about Mandela funeral expenditure for a second time
The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has, for a second time, blocked questions by the DA regarding funding for the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela. In correspondence received from the Legislature, I am informed that "...the oral question cannot be included in its original format or otherwise on the next IQP containing oral questions...". This is in response to my objection that my original question was subverted by the legislature to exclude reference to the Premier, Phumulo … [Read more...] about Legislature blocks Trollip’s question about Mandela funeral expenditure for a second time
Evasive Premier dodges legislature question about money transfers to his private bank account
Dear Editor Today [Ed: Wednesday 3 July] the newly elected Premier of the Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle, purposefully evaded questions in the House about the alleged Nelson Mandela funeral scandal. The passing of our former President has been blighted by the alleged fraud and corruption that took place in Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation regarding irregular money transfers and procurement practises. The opportunity to put oral questions to the premier and his … [Read more...] about Evasive Premier dodges legislature question about money transfers to his private bank account
Athol Trollip replies to the Premiers Sopa address
The debate on premier Phumulo Masualle’s State of the Province Address started on Tuesday afternoon and continues today in the Bhisho Legislature. Below is the speech by the DA Leader in the Legislature, Athol Trollip, in reply to the Premiers Sopa address: Hon Speaker Hon Members and Members of the public. It seems somewhat farcical to be debating the SOPA for the second time in one year, especially since very little has changed and what we had was essentially the passing of the baton … [Read more...] about Athol Trollip replies to the Premiers Sopa address
State of the Province Address positive and negative
Apart from the fact that the DA believes that this exercise was a very expensive handing over of the baton from the one Premier to the next, it did give us an insight into premier Masualle’s thought processes and strategic objectives. It is encouraging that he identified the importance of creating better opportunities for the people of this province through improved education and the provision of learnerships and internships. This is an important measure to reverse the brain drain that this … [Read more...] about State of the Province Address positive and negative
State of the Province Address a costly handing over of the baton
The Democratic Alliance does not anticipate much change in Friday’s State of the Province Address, as all that is happening is the subsequent handing over of the ANC-baton from Noxolo Kiviet to Phumulo Masualle. It is however, an important opportunity for the new premier to outline his vision for the province and to provide a framework for his executive members to frame their policy proposal thereon. The DA believes that the premier must concentrate on the following key … [Read more...] about State of the Province Address a costly handing over of the baton
DA announces Shadow Provincial Cabinet
Dear Editor Following the May 7 general election the DA in the Eastern Cape increased its proportional representation in the Provincial Legislature from six to 10 members which is a spectacular growth of 66%. This is the biggest official opposition in the history of the Legislature in the Eastern Cape which will result in greater vibrancy, oversight and accountability in the House and in portfolio committees. I am confident that we will continue to bring greater leadership to the … [Read more...] about DA announces Shadow Provincial Cabinet
Consumers must be made aware of “yoga mat” chemical in bread
The DA in the Eastern Cape will be taking the issue of SASKO's alleged use of the potentially harmful "yoga mat" chemical in bread to parliament. Bread is the staple food of thousands of poor people in the province, who are unaware that their daily food contains the chemical Azodicarbonamide (ADA). SASKO, as the largest bread flour producer in the province continues to produce and sell products containing ADA to unsuspecting and unwitting consumers, whose health is being placed at potential … [Read more...] about Consumers must be made aware of “yoga mat” chemical in bread
No excitement for new Eastern Cape executive
It is clear that Premier Phumulo Masualle has been severely constrained by the ANC's decision to have 60% of provincial executive members being women (not that woman are incapable nor competent, it simply limits choice). It is clear that the ANC-led provinces have flexed their muscles against the President in his last term by being insistent that he appoints their provincial chairpersons as Premiers. The executive that has been appointed in the Eastern Cape has not ignited any excitement … [Read more...] about No excitement for new Eastern Cape executive
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
This is the text of a speech delivered by Athol Trollip, MPL at the swearing in ceremony of the 5th Legislature term of office in Bhisho today. It is indeed a proud day for the DA, its representatives, past and present and all those that have been voting for it and its predecessor parties to finally become the official opposition in this legislature. Our Party's growth has been spectacular in every election since 1994 and today we represent the biggest ever opposition caucus in the history of … [Read more...] about Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
DA ecstatic about becoming official opposition in the Eastern Cape
For the first time since 1994 the DA has become the official opposition in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature through the express wish of the voters (as opposed to achieving this position after the consequences of floor crossing). The improved result from 9,8% to 16,2% has been a staggering improvement, especially considered against the fact that this growth is greater than the results achieved by both the UDM and the EFF. The DA has made history by bringing the ANC under 50% in the … [Read more...] about DA ecstatic about becoming official opposition in the Eastern Cape
Best way to celebrate Freedom Day is by ensuring healthy democracy
As we commemorate Freedom Day the best way to celebrate this significant day is by ensuring that our democracy is healthy and protected. Freedom is a journey not an event. We are working to realise true freedom in South Africa, a day when people have job opportunities and corruption is a thing of the past. We are reminded on this day of South Africa's first non-racial democratic elections in 1994 and the establishment of a state where there is no place for segregation and minority rule. … [Read more...] about Best way to celebrate Freedom Day is by ensuring healthy democracy
DA will soldier on in Baviaans Municipality
Unequal and disproportionate budget allocations to the Baviaans Municipality continues to cause major shorfalls which has placed the DA on the back foot in terms of service delivery. This is one of the travails of being an DA-led municipality within an ANC-led provincial administration. It is doubtful that the same budget constraints would have existed if this municipality was under the leadership of the ANC. The problems in the DA-led Baviaans Municipality have been caused by a budget … [Read more...] about DA will soldier on in Baviaans Municipality
