DA: No endorsement for new KZN Premier

THE Democratic Alliance welcomes today's announcement that KZN Premier, Zweli Mkhize, has resigned as leader of the province.

KwaZulu-Natal needs a full-time premier. The DA has consistently made this point since Dr Mkhize was appointed as ANC Treasurer-General.  We welcome that he has at last heeded our call.

Today's swearing in of KZN Education MEC, Senzo Mchunu, as acting Premier does not come without its own concerns. The DA cannot endorse his appointment on the basis that he has consistently incited political intolerance, particularly against the DA in the province. We remain hopeful that today's swearing in will herald a new approach from him, one which sees positive and active engagement with all political parties in the province.

Since Dr Mkhize's deployment to national, the DA has consistently raised concerns over whether he is able to effectively combine the roles of Premier and ANC Treasure-General and, if not, the detrimental effect this will have on the province.  Recently, Dr Mkhize has rarely attended portfolio committee meetings for his own department, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier and Royal Household, citing other commitments. This is evidence enough that he is unable to combine the two jobs successfully.

Dr Mkhize has failed, through his SOPA addresses, to convince that the province is on a positive course. Instead, he has glossed over a multitude of serious challenges. His tenure has been marked by a myriad of grand plans, without much action and few timeframes. He leaves a legacy of not having demanded accountability from his cabinet on targets set.

The citizens of KwaZulu-Natal are ready for change. We challenge the ANC to commit to a new era - one which puts the needs of the people first and no longer tolerates inferior service delivery or corruption and maladministration on any level.

Statement issued by Sizwe Mchunu, MPP, DA KwaZulu-Natal leader, August 22 2013

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