Statement by Dr. Mvume Dandala COPE Parliamentary Leader on the behaviour of ANC and DA leaders in their responses to the appointment of an all male Cabinet of the Western Cape

The appointment of an all-male Cabinet by the Premier of the Western Cape Ms Helen Zille, has understandably caused a furious row and a negative reaction. Such a display of arrogance and insensitivity as the Premier has shown, is rare.

However, we in the Congress of the People, representing our party in the National Assembly and the NCOP, are deeply disturbed by the tone of the debate and the various vulgar and insulting statements made by leaders of the ANC and the DA about each other. We call on all members of these parties and especially the leaders and elected representatives, to set a positive example to our citizens. To do this, they must commit to:

1. Conducting debates in a positive manner;

2. Refraining from substituting insults and vulgarity for political debate;

3. Focussing on the issues and challenges that confront our citizens - poverty, unemployment, gender exploitation and patriarchy, among others.

We call on Ms Zille to re-shuffle her Cabinet and to make it more representative of our society by including some women in its make up.

While she and the DA have the right to make their own appointments, they should do this mindful of the context within which we as a society exist. Not appointing any women has sent a clear signal to everyone that change for the better, the empowerment of women and ending patriarchy are not priorities of the DA. The racial make-up of the Cabinet is also not adequately representative of our society.

Equally, the response of the ANCYL and the MKMVA have shown that these issues are not high on their agenda either. Calling the Premier names, insulting her and accusing her of various things that are unrelated to the issue of the Cabinet detract from the importance of this matter and reinforce the socialised patterns of patriarchy and even potential abuse in the relationships between us as people. We all have a duty to engage each other, robustly, but with respect and dignity.

Statement issued by the Congress of the People, May 14 2009

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