Irresponsible act

I WAS taken aback that your newspaper failed to report on the fact that five scheduled oversight committee meetings due to take place on Tuesday, July 29 were cancelled at short notice by the DA leadership in the Provincial Legislature.

I know that a statement was issued by the ANC chief whip, Pierre Uys.

One of the committees on which I serve deals with transport and public works.

This committee meets at 11am on a Tuesday. This is known by all MPLs, MECs and officials. I received a phone call late on Monday afternoon from a staff member informing me that the MEC and department could not attend as they were at a strategic planning session.

Why schedule a strategic planning session at this time? And even if you do, why not send the relevant officials to attend?

I was also informed that the DA chairperson of the committee was ill. Surely another DA MPL could have chaired?

When Premier Helen Zille opened the legislature on June 20, she said “Our government recognises the crucial role a strong opposition plays in a constitutional democracy and I sincerely hope that constructive dialogue and debate will supersede obstructive, polarising politics during our sittings”.

These words have a hollow ring when the premier’s MECs and the DA leadership in the legislature cancel meetings for no good reason. Such conduct undermines accountability and oversight, fundamental principles in our constitution.

Western Cape Education Department officials honoured the standing committee meeting on Tuesday. Why should five other departments, with the knowledge of their MECs and the DA leadership, be allowed to cancel critical oversight meetings at short notice ?

It is important that the media exposes this behaviour so that it does not happen again.

It will be interesting to see whether any of those responsible for undermining accountability in the legislature by the DA in the province will be reprimanded by the premier and indeed, whether this will happen again. Cameron Dugmore

ANC MPL