The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has not had a sitting since the budgets were passed in August this year leading to concerns as to why the Speaker has not convened the House for such a prolonged period.
“In many parts of the province we see service delivery protests and community outrage over issues such as lack of housing, high levels of crime, tragic road accidents, inhumane living conditions in transit camps and squatter settlements, pit toilets, etc but the Speaker and the KZN Cabinet does not seem to be taking these issues seriously enough to call a sitting where it can be discussed. We need to engage the Premier and the MECs on such matters because they are accountable to the Legislature and the people of the province. In the past there would be a sitting of the Legislature at least once a month. It would appear that the provincial Cabinet is now in hiding and are afraid to confront the burning challenges that our people are facing,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
“There are many serious issues that we need to engage them on but they only appear at “feel good” conferences to engage business leaders and dignitaries or when there is a tragedy where they make speeches. The Cabinet must not adopt the ostrich mentality of burying its head in the sand and falsely believing that there are no problems. Our people are crying out for services that are due to them and because of a lack of response from this government, they are resorting to public protests. In many of these protests innocent people are injured and even killed. We cannot allow this situation to continue while those responsible for governing the province are failing our people,” continued Mr Gwala
“The IFP will write to the Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Lydia Johnson to demand answers as to why a sitting has not taken place for all most two months,” concluded Mr Gwala.
