GNU: Time to put politics aside and not waste this opportunity

19 July 2024

Note to editor: This is the speech by GOOD Leader and Member of Parliament, Patricia de Lille, for today’s debate on the Opening of Parliament Address and is embargoed until delivery.

Honourable Speaker Thoko Didiza

Honourable President Cyril Matamela Ramphosa

Honourable Deputy President Paul Mashatile 

The May election was a major step in the realignment of South Africa’s political landscape. 

The GNU is not a final destination. It is an important junction in the road. 

It has the ability to implement policies and programmes that will strongly influence where the country heads next. 

The GOOD Party joined the GNU for two reasons: 

ONE, to contribute positively to the realignment process;

TWO, because the Statement of Intent was closely aligned to our policy pillars of social, economic, spatial and environmental justice. 

When we enter cabinet meetings these days we don’t just leave our cellphones outside, but also our party hats. 

We have a mandate rooted in the Constitution, directed by approved policies and legislation, and led by the President. 

Outside of Cabinet, GOOD will continue to be sensible, constructively critical, and add value wherever we can. 

We want to be part of defining a better, more inclusive future for our country. 

The GNU means putting politics aside and not wasting this opportunity. 

As the GNU we must be careful not to structure our message that nothing has been done. 

We must NOT send out messages that the GNU has now discovered all the mistakes. 

The GNU government must send a message of hope and act each day to move our country forward. 

All GNU ministers must know that when you inherit a department, you inherit the good and the bad. We must fix it. 

When you are called to serve in the executive, you serve the people of the country because the needs and pain of our people knows no political affiliation. 

The country’s fiscus is not in a good space. 

Therefore, all Departments must introduce zero-based budgeting as we agreed in the Sixth Administration. 

We must do more with less. 

Mr President, like Minister Parks Tau, I want to quote one of your economic advisors: Ms Marriane Mazzucatto in her book Mission Economy. 

I QUOTE

“Government has bought into the ideology that their role is simply to fix problems, not achieve bold objectives.” 

“Government cannot limit itself to reactively fixing markets, but must explicitly coshape markets to deliver the outcomes society needs.” END QUOTE 

Tourism is one of these bold objectives to co-shape markets and ensure inclusive growth that creates jobs for all our people. 

We are already busy with it. 

In the last year the Tourism sector grew by 49% compared to the previous year. 

Like President said a demand led approach to skills development will empower people. 

I see Tourism as an enabler that will absorb many unskilled and semi-skilled citizens in a growing and thriving tourism industry. 

We must not take the patience of our people for granted. 

Like weaver birds, what is left for the GNU now is to implement, implement, and implement. 

Honourable Minister Steenhuisen accused Minister McKenzie and myself of working with the ANC. He can no longer accuse us of that, he is now part of the ANC. 

I thank you.

Issued by Janke Tolmay, Media Manger, GOOD, 19 July 2024