The debate on premier Phumulo Masualle’s State of the Province Address continues today in the Bhisho Legislature. Below is the speech by DA Shadow MEC for Finance, Bobby Stevenson in reply to the Premiers Sopa address in attempts to create a business friendly province: The Hon Premier correctly identified the economy and job creation as a key issue. 1.32 million people who are unemployed in this province which is almost as many people that voted for the ANC would agree. Young people … [Read more...] about Bobby Stevenson replies to the Premiers Sopa address
bobby stevenson
DA to raise crisis in EC safety and security operations
I will be raising the crisis surrounding SAPS vehicles and 10111 calls centres in the province in the Eastern Cape legislature on Wednesday, 2 July 2014, during questions for oral reply. The existence of a safe environment is a key factor in bringing investment, and in turn jobs, to the Eastern Cape. I have, on behalf of the DA in the provincial legislature, tabled a series of questions for oral reply to the new MEC for Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana, regarding the shortage of vehicles … [Read more...] about DA to raise crisis in EC safety and security operations
New MECs, no new bling needed
The DA in the Eastern Cape will be keeping a close eye on whether the new MECs in the province will follow the example of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene or whether they will give into the temptation of "blinging" in new cars. The executive council needs to set an example when it comes to luxury expenditure. This province is experiencing a decline in funds from the national government (equitable share) and every cent must go towards service delivery. In a province with high levels of … [Read more...] about New MECs, no new bling needed
DA campaign in top gear in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
The DA campaign in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro moves into top gear with a number of public meetings taking place this week. Provincial leader Athol Trollip MPL will be addressing a number of public meetings on Tuesday in Kuyga, Walmer Township, Central and Gelvandale. He will be joined by other DA public representatives such as Nqaba Bhanga MP, Edmund van Vuuren MPL and Donald Lee MP. On Wednesday Edmund van Vuuren, Donald Lee myself and cllr Retief Odendaal will address a public meeting … [Read more...] about DA campaign in top gear in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
Red Location Museum impasse must be broken
The Red Location Museum has been closed for a number of months as a result of an impasse between the community and provincial and local government because they have not resolved housing issues in that community. The local and provincial government has repeatedly promised to deal with these housing issues but has failed to do so. This bureaucratic impasse must be broken. It is actions such as these which are costing us much needed jobs in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The Red Location … [Read more...] about Red Location Museum impasse must be broken
Drugs and gangsterism destroy hope, dignity and opportunity
Drugs and gangsterism destroy hope, dignity and opportunity. It is time for an all - out war on gangs and gang culture. Stamping out these gangsters and drug dealers must be a national priority. The best way to create hope, opportunity and dignity is to provide people with real jobs A job is a ladder out of poverty. In this election campaign the Democratic Alliance is saying we will grow the economy to create 6 million real jobs and cut back on corruption. The Democratic Alliance also says … [Read more...] about Drugs and gangsterism destroy hope, dignity and opportunity
Nkandla’s R247 million could have built three additional police stations in Northern Areas
The right to live in a safe and secure environment is a basic human right. But we find the streets of the northern suburbs of Port Elizabeth are being turned into a war zone with close to 130 people being killed in the last two years, eight in the last week. Innocent bystanders, including young children are falling victims to this tragic violence. We need additional policing resources in the Bethelsdorp policing area and we need it now. On the 5th of June last year, in a portfolio … [Read more...] about Nkandla’s R247 million could have built three additional police stations in Northern Areas
Misuse of Mandela memorial funds in conflict with treasury regulations
The Eastern Cape Premier's reply to my question relating to provincial expenditure on memorial services for Nelson Mandela deliberately avoids providing any substantial information. In contrast, the front page in the Daily Dispatch today, quotes an Eastern Cape Development Corporation spokesperson confirming that to date that R22,2 million has been paid out. According to reports, R775 000 was paid to McDonalds and KFC as wells as R5 million to a supplier for T-shirts and golf shirts. This is in … [Read more...] about Misuse of Mandela memorial funds in conflict with treasury regulations
Bloated bureaucracy hampers province
The Eastern Cape Provincial budget for 2014/15 was tabled by the MEC for Finance and Provincial Planning, Phumulo Masualle, in the Bhisho Legislature this morning. The DA welcomes the emphasis on development and infrastructure but is disappointed than no clear plans were spelt out to deal with the bloated bureaucracy which is currently running at 65% of the total budget. The total cost of employees is R41,171 billion out of a total budget of R62,141 billion. This continues to have huge … [Read more...] about Bloated bureaucracy hampers province
PE gang violence claims 117 lives in two years
The ongoing gang violence in Port Elizabeth has claimed 117 lives in the last two years. This emerged in a reply to a legislature question I asked the MEC for Safety and Liaison, Helen Sauls-August. This is a horrific figure and it has turned our community into a war zone. The heavy toll on human life has resulted in a number of innocent bystanders being tragically killed and injured. Just over the weekend a five-year-old PE boy, Neilon Peters was the latest victim when he suffered injuries … [Read more...] about PE gang violence claims 117 lives in two years
Eastern Cape budget: Core business must be prioritised over consumption expenditure
The Democratic Alliance believes that the function of the annual budget is to lay the foundation of economic growth and job creation in the Eastern Cape. Core business must be prioritised over consumption expenditure. The provincial budget for 2014/2015 will be tabled by Finance and Provincial Planning MEC Phumulo Masualle in the Bhisho Legislature on Thursday, 6 March. The MEC needs to spell out in no uncertain terms how a shift will take place away from consumption expenditure – mainly … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape budget: Core business must be prioritised over consumption expenditure
Bobby Stevenson on the State of the Province Address
The Democratic Alliance agrees that life is better in South Africa than it was prior to 1994. Progress has been made in the delivery of basic services such as water, housing and electricity as well as infrastructure development. This is a good story and the Democratic Alliance is proud to be associated with the progress that has taken place in the Eastern Cape. We also appreciate the Premier's commitment to national reconciliation by including names from across the broad political spectrum in … [Read more...] about Bobby Stevenson on the State of the Province Address
DA’s Job March no stunt
Dear MyPE The media reported that the DA's jobs march was a publicity stunt. But it was a dramatic expression by an estimated 8000 DA marchers to highlight a national crisis. The country needs to march to a different beat particularly when it comes to dealing with the unemployment catastrophe that faces our country. The DA march's objective was to contrast the difference between the ANC's offer of 6 million temporary work opportunities as opposed to the DA's offer of 6 million REAL … [Read more...] about DA’s Job March no stunt
Wheels are coming off policing in Eastern Cape
The wheels are coming off policing in the Eastern Cape as vehicles stand still and crime runs on. The fact that Kirkwood police station only had one vehicle operating yesterday (subs: Wed, 22 Jan) for an area servicing 1 327 square km and police arrived on bicycles to deal with a house robbery in Mount Croix in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday (subs: 21 Jan) highlights the massive shortage of operating vehicles in the SAPS in this province. Both the East London and Port Elizabeth flying squads … [Read more...] about Wheels are coming off policing in Eastern Cape
Rob Wylde to contest Ward 1 in Summerstrand
The Democratic Alliance is proud to introduce its candidate for the Ward 1 by-election, Rob Wylde. Rob Wylde has an outstanding record of community involvement. He has been the Chairman of the Summerstrand Residents Association since 2006, which serves as the civic body for parts of Wards 1 & 2. He is also the former chairperson of the governing body of Pearson High School, which is located within the ward. Rob is also a member of the Summerstrand Ministers Fraternal. His … [Read more...] about Rob Wylde to contest Ward 1 in Summerstrand
