ID WESTERN CAPE ENTERS CO-GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT IN WESTERN CAPE

The Independent Democrats have entered into a co-governance agreement with the DA in the Western Cape.

After consultation with ID structures in the Western Cape it was decided that ID Western Cape Leader, Sakkie Jenner, will take up the position of MEC.

Mr. Jenner will be the new MEC for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation in the Western Cape.

Jenner says, `the ID has a distinct vision and approach to politics and remains independent but this does not mean we cannot work with others where we feel it will be of benefit to the people of our province.'

"The dynamics of politics in the Western Cape has meant that coalitions have been pioneered here. The ID is in coalition with the DA and other parties in the City of Cape Town and there are cases where the ID, DA and ANC govern together, like in Oudtshoorn," says Jenner.

"We are excited about taking over a portfolio filled with so much potential which will allow us to achieve several of the objectives outlined in our election manifesto.

"In particular, the role that Sports, Arts and Culture can play in job creation and therefore in reducing poverty, and in repairing the social fabric of our communities is enormous.

"A great concern for the ID is crime and drug abuse among young people and we feel that this portfolio can go a long way in giving our young people, not only jobs and the dignity that comes with having one, but also opportunities for new and exciting careers and positive identity and self - esteem, all of which will contribute to them being less likely to get involved in crime, drug abuse and gangsterism."

"The Western Cape is one of the most culturally diverse provinces in the country and the ID believes that this must be celebrated and drawn upon as a source of strength. The ID looks forward to bridging the divides and building unity amongst the people of the Western Cape through the many projects related to Arts, Culture and Heritage within the department."

"The 2010 Soccer World Cup that falls within the responsibility of this Ministry is an exciting opportunity to create jobs, promote the culture and heritage of the province and leave a lasting legacy for the people of the Western Cape," says the new MEC.

"There is also the opportunity to take these same opportunities to rural areas and in so doing contribute to rural development and bridging the rural and urban divide."

"The ID looks forward to showing what we can do. Where we have been in government - at a local level - we have delivered and we are confident that given this opportunity we can deliver to all our people in this beautiful province."

"The ID believes that the Western Cape has not been developed to its full potential and we are ready to play our role in achieving that objective," says Jenner.

BIOGRAPHY OF MR SAKKIE JENNER

The IDs' Western Cape Leader and former MP Sakkie Jenner started his activism at a young age. As a teenager, Jenner noted the injustice prevalent at the time, and joined SANCO in 1984. Two years later he became a member of the UDF.

Soon after the detention of his brother, Jenner and his family were interrogated and victimised under the State of Emergency declared by the apartheid government.

During his political career, Jenner has held many leadership positions in the ANC both locally and regionally and has played a leadership role in many trade unions including NUMSA, POPCRU and SAMWU.

During the 2000 local government elections he stood as a candidate and won in the Matzikama Local Municipality. A year after that, he was awarded for being the best local councillor in the West Coast.

He has also held positions in various municipalities across the Western Cape, including area manager for the Berg River Municipality, Strategic Manager in the West Coast District municipality and IDP Manager in the Cederberg Municipality.

Jenner joined the ID in June 2006 and was elected the ID's Western Cape chairperson in April 2007 and was later elected to National Parliament in September of the same year.

Mr. Jenner is a committed social democrat who is passionate about community work and strongly believes in people-centred government. He has hands on experience in Management, Conflict Resolution, Transformation and Community Development.

Mr. Jenner is passionate about language and heritage and loves the outdoors.

Statement issued by the Independent Democrats, May 8 2009

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