Dear MyPE The DA cannot support the budget that will see the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, as an implementing agency of the Department, unable to operate. This agency is responsible for rural development in other departments as well. Its budget has been cut by 28% but the activities have been increased. Thirty-eight percent of its activities are unfunded. The department is also top heavy with personnel. The allocation to Fort Cox College despite its well-known infrastructure … [Read more...] about DA does not support Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Budget Vote
veliswa mvenya
Extortion of Willowvale scholars by transport service provider
Dear MyPE I have received a number of complaints concerning a scholar transport service provider (Ndlazi Tours) who is allegedly soliciting payment from students of Xolilizwe Senior Secondary School in Willowvale. We are calling on the MEC for Transport, Weziwe Tikana, to look into this matter; the students who have paid money to this service provider must be refunded and those found guilty of extorting money from vulnerable children must be prosecuted. I submitted a letter to the MEC, … [Read more...] about Extortion of Willowvale scholars by transport service provider
Sympathy extended on passing of former MPL Sam Kwelita
Dear MyPE The DA has learned with shock and sadness of the passing this morning of former Eastern Cape MPL and MEC, Sam Kwelita. Hon. Kwelita was one of the longest serving members of the legislature from 1994 until April 2014 and was MEC of various departments over the years. His experience and knowledge was regarded by all and his quiet manner will be remembered. On behalf of the DA I extend our sympathy and thoughts to the Kwelita family. Regards Veliswa Mvenya … [Read more...] about Sympathy extended on passing of former MPL Sam Kwelita
Eastern Cape must continue fight for a non-racial society
Dear MyPE Tomorrow we observe International Day for the elimination of racial discrimination. In 1979, the General Assembly decided that activities would be established to support those who are subjected to racial discrimination on March, 21 each year. We have fought for over 20 years for transformation in this country yet racism still exists. We have had numerous instances of racial abuse on people of all races. A recent story surfaced describing an incident where a government official … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape must continue fight for a non-racial society
Condolences to family of radio DJ Saba Mbixane
Dear MyPE On behalf of the Democratic Alliance I want to express my deepest sympathy with the family of Umhlobo Wenene fm presenter Saba Mbixane, who passed away yesterday after 17 days in hospital. 'DJ Ntozabantwana' was a true friend/Umhlobo Wenene to his listeners and he will be sorely missed on the airwaves. We trust that the prayers of his listeners and the grace of God will carry his family through this trying time. Rest in peace, Saba 'DJ Ntozabantwana' … [Read more...] about Condolences to family of radio DJ Saba Mbixane
Veliswa Mvenya announced as new DA Provincial Chairperson
On Friday night, 31 October 2014, the DA in the Eastern Cape held a Congress gala dinner where Veliswa Mvenya was announced as the new DA Provincial Chairperson in the Eastern Cape. Mvenya said; "I am ecstatic and extremely proud of this result as it truly shows that the Democratic Alliance is a party for all. This result is a true demonstration of the diversity of our party and it reiterates the DA's equal opportunity society for all policy; it provides individuals from different cultural … [Read more...] about Veliswa Mvenya announced as new DA Provincial Chairperson
No state-funded rehabilitation centre for children in the EC
As part of Child Protection Week, the DA will use the committee meetings at the legislature to demand the opening of a rehab centre in the province given the immense social issues faced by children here. But the campaign for a rehab centre in the Eastern Cape must continue, and it is a fight for everyone who values the rights of children to dignity. Research has shown that most youth perpetrators of violent crimes were under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of committing … [Read more...] about No state-funded rehabilitation centre for children in the EC
DA Eastern Cape Mandela Day programme
The Democratic Alliance is celebrating Mandela Day by participating in a number of activities around the province tomorrow - Wednesday 18 July, varying from cleanup campaigns in municipal wards in the Eastern Cape's two Metros to running soup kitchens and filling potholes in Nahoon. It is important that participation in this day is as wide-spread as possible as it helps to not only build a better society but to engender a spirit of national reconciliation in our country. It is important to … [Read more...] about DA Eastern Cape Mandela Day programme
Time to Investigate the National Youth Development Agency
The latest exposé in the media (Daily Dispatch, 10 March), that the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) secured funding from the Department of Social Development to pay for several regional conferences on behalf of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) again confirms what the Democratic Alliance has been telling members of the Bhisho Legislature repeatedly: that the NYDA is not serving the general youth of the Eastern Cape. I have today requested the Public Protector to investigate this matter. I … [Read more...] about Time to Investigate the National Youth Development Agency
Mbashe Senior Primary School Delivers More Proof that EC Children are Denied Quality Education
I recently visited the Mbashe Senior Primary School in Dutywa. What I witnessed was yet another example of how children in the Eastern Cape are denied their basic right to quality education because the provincial Department of Education continues to force rural learners to attend school in dilapidated structures. This department has only spent 8.5% of its capital budget of R1,2 billion in the first quarter of the current financial year. The evidence of the neglect by the department is not … [Read more...] about Mbashe Senior Primary School Delivers More Proof that EC Children are Denied Quality Education
Call For Public Protector to Investigate Eastern Cape MEC for Transport
The DA calls for an urgent investigation by the Public Protector into the actions of the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Thandiswa Marawu, as executing officer of her department. This follows the questionable awarding of the current tender for scholar transport in the province. No bidding process took place. The tender for the amount of R206 million was awarded to One Future Development 46, whose board chairperson, Mr. Simlindile Hintsa, is also the CEO of the Africa’s Best 350 bus company … [Read more...] about Call For Public Protector to Investigate Eastern Cape MEC for Transport
Three Rabies Death are Three too Many
Vaccines need to be made available as a matter of life and death in areas affected by rabies in the Eastern Cape. Our communities cannot live in fear of rabid dogs. The Departments of Agriculture and Health must act as a matter of urgency. The Democratic Alliance is deeply disturbed by the lack of readily available rabies vaccine for humans following the deaths of at least three people in the Willowvale-area in the Eastern Cape since September last year. An unconfirmed report has set the … [Read more...] about Three Rabies Death are Three too Many
