ANC WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEGISLATURE SPEAKER

8 October 2013

The Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress Cde Sihle Zikalala has described the newly appointed speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature Cde Lydia Johnson as a skillful and humble cadre who will enhance the legislature's engagement with ordinary people.

Speaking after Cde Johnson's appointment on Tuesday, Zikalala said the ANC had no doubt that she would carry on with the good work that the KwaZulu-Natal legislature has done under the leadership of Cde Peggy Nkonyeni who was appointed MEC for Education on Monday.

"The ANC welcomes the appointment of Cde Johnson. We are convinced that she will sustain the good work started by Cde Nkonyeni. Cde Johnson's humility, work ethic and long experience in government will surely enhance the legislature's engagement with the general public including the downtrodden," said Zikalala.

The Democratic Alliance's decision to walk out of the legislature when Cde Johnson was elected was highly irresponsible and was yet another clear indication that the DA undermines democratic processes, Zikalala said.

"We are dismayed by the DA's irresponsible decision to walk out and we have no doubt that the main purpose of this reckless act was to undermine the democratic process we implemented as the ANC. This is not surprising if one looks at what the DA stands for."

Zikalala urged all parties represented in the legislature to support the new speaker, saying that she is a hard worker who would spare neither life nor limb in cause of her people.

Statement issued by Sihle Zikalala, ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary, October 8 2013

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