Ms Zodwa Magwaza (ANC MPL): Member statement in the Western Cape Legislature- 7 June 2012

The DA-led Western Cape provincial government failed in the latest report card by the South African Gender Commission, as under the DA's national leader Helen Zille it did not reach targets for the appointment of designated groups (see Cape Argus report).

But, we know Zille's aversion to appoint women in her own cabinet where she is surrounded by men and she hates quotas as she told this house in 1999 that certain women in the National Assembly, who are mostly black, only "take up space there, earn a salary, eat a big lunch, pack in some ‘padkos' and drive off... without having made any contribution..."

Zille's so-called fit for purpose and an open opportunity society does not help these groups!

The Western Cape again missed gender transformation targets, remains a male dominated environment and do not comply with legislation, like the Employment Equity Act.

Instead black women were replaced with white male top managers and there is no top manager living with disabilities.

The Commission noted this province entrenched attitudes and conservative perceptions towards gender transformation and does not recruit or draw in suitable candidates from designated groups.

Departments are also cited for a lack of provincial co-ordination amidst the centralisation of the present regime! The DA led by a woman should have done better!!

Issued by the ANC Western Cape, June 7 2012

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