DA bill a bid to blunt democratic gains

THE DA’s proposed Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill (B5–2023), a violation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, will have serious negative impacts on especially the poor black and coloured communities in the province.

These are the communities that bear the brunt of the DA’s preference for pandering to the needs of and increasing the privileges of the white elite minority, at the expense of the poor.

The DA’s desire for additional powers to be granted to the Western Cape will undeniably lead to a fragmentation and potentially exacerbate inequalities between racial and ethnic groups, which is in effect the last bastion of apartheid.

A report by Sabinet African Journals indicates that while the Western Cape is the third-richest province in South Africa, it has high poverty rates, unemployment and inequalities in the distribution of income between the various population sub-groups.

The bill is clearly a desperate attempt by the DA to undermine the gains of democracy and the role of the national government. To achieve this, the DA has debased itself by applying an unconventional and questionable methodology of the bill to either “usurp” national powers or foster a climate that can potentially divide rather than unite all South Africans.

The bill must be seen for what it is: a DA rebellion against the national government. It exposes the DA’s disregard, and thereby its attitude and lack of compassion, for the poor marginalised people of our unitary country. Importantly, the bill reveals the DA’s inward and narrow focus on the Western Cape, to the point that it is willing to erode the sovereignty of the country.

The DA is essentially showing the middle finger to the Preamble of the South African Constitution, which emphasises the importance of a unified and equal nation.

Even with the constitutional powers the DA has, it has not been able to effectively address historical injustices and marginalisation of poor black people under the old apartheid system, who then and even today continue to face significant socio-economic challenges.

The DA has been unable to effectively tackle the challenges of basic education, health, socio-economic issues and the National Health Insurance Bill. Despite its promises and initiatives, the Western Cape government has not been successful in addressing the concerns surrounding the crucial areas.

In terms of basic education, the DA’s attempts to improve the quality of the learning environment and ensure equal access for all, have fallen short. Despite its promises to prioritise education and implement reforms, the Western Cape government has been unable to make significant progress in improving the education system. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages and a lack of availing resources continue to persist, hindering the quality of education.

Similarly, the DA’s efforts to address health challenges have proven ineffective. Despite its promises to improve healthcare services and accessibility, the Western Cape government has been unable to adequately address the issues plaguing the healthcare system in the province. Problems such as long waiting times, overcrowded hospitals and a lack of resources continue to persist, leaving many communities without access to quality healthcare.

The DA’s attempts to tackle socio-economic issues have also failed. Despite its promises to address poverty, unemployment and inequality, the Western Cape government has dismally failed and is unable to make significant progress in improving the socio-economic conditions of the province. High levels of unemployment, income inequality and poverty continue to be major challenges, with little improvement seen under the DA’s leadership.

The DA voted against the NHI Bill, which also proves that it is not concerned about historically disadvantaged groups and communities. Despite its promises to implement a comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system, the DA has been unable to effectively address the concerns and challenges of the health system. The party’s opposition to the NHI Bill and its failure to propose viable alternatives have hindered progress in achieving universal healthcare.

While proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure effective governance and representation for the Western Cape province, it is crucial to find a balance between regional autonomy and national unity. Any proposed changes to the constitutional dispensation, agreed to and adopted by all parties, should be carefully considered to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities and divisions within South African society.

The request for “devolution” of national powers to a province is a gross manipulation of the democratic system and undermines the principles of decentralisation and governance. Entertaining and supporting this bill boils down to supporting a process that would create an imbalance in the country and province, to the extent that it could potentially lead to political and social unrest.

The request by the DA for additional powers to be devolved to it could lead to the manipulation and abuse of power by the Western Cape government. It could create a situation where one province has disproportional control and influence over national decisions, potentially marginalising other provinces and its inhabitants, and compromising the unity and stability of the country and other provinces.

The apartheid system was characterised by a centralised government that held all the powers, leading to the marginalisation and oppression of certain regions and communities. The struggle for democracy and the dismantling of apartheid sought to rectify the imbalance by creating a more inclusive and decentralised system of government.

The constitutional framework is based on the principle of devolution, where powers are divided between the national government and the provincial governments. The division of powers ensures that decisions are made at the appropriate level, taking into account regional needs and circumstances.

Instead of asking for the devolution of more powers to the Western Cape province, the DA should focus its efforts on strengthening the system of divisions of concurrent and exclusive powers outlined in the Constitution. The divisions of power were carefully crafted to ensure that all provinces had an equal say in the decision-making processes and thus promote inclusivity, fairness and unity among all South Africans.

In conclusion, the DA’s proposed Provincial Powers Bill should not see the light of day and should be rejected for what it really is: an attempt to remain the last bastion of apartheid that favours the white elite over the black citizens living in the province.