Today KZN Premier Thami Ntuli announced my appointment as the Leader of Government Business.
We were joined by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Rev Musa Zondi.
I wish to accept, with a high sense of humility, the responsibility that has been given to me by the Premier.
This is a display of collective and bold leadership by all members of the executive council.
It is important to point out that this office, the Leader of Government Business, belongs to the people of this province across all political lines.
The message that is being communicated today is that, we are the generation of leaders who have a responsibility to pull together behind a common vision.
When the people of this province voted on May 29, they expressed their wishes through the ballot box.
They said that their government must be efficient and responsive to their needs.
The Leader of Government Business will therefore play a critical role in the coordination of the appearance of
members of the executive during the rollout of key priority government programs.
Such programs will drive government departments towards the achievement of our provincial vision.
Through the Office of the Leader of Government Business, we will collectively be in a position to monitor and evaluate, on a regular basis, all provincial government departments and public entities in relation to ensuring speedy and efficient service delivery.
The most critical part is to ensure that the government of provincial unity makes an impact throughout the corners of the province.
In summary, my responsibilities will include:
● Managing the affairs of the Provincial Executive in the KZN Legislature;
● Liaison between the Executive and KZN Legislature;
●Facilitating the programming of KZN legislature as initiated by the provincial executive council;
●It will be within the scope of the Leader of Government Business to arrange the attendance of MECs at the sitting of the KZN Legislature and other engagements of the legislature.
The 7th term of office is critical, therefore, as the Office the Leader of Government Business will focus on:
■This entails prioritizing bills by departments, setting realistic timeframes for developing & processing legislation, & ensuring meaningful stakeholder consultation;
■Building stronger relations between the Executive & the Legislature;
■Building stronger relations between the executive & political parties represented in the KZN Legislature;
■Encouraging MECs to respond promptly to matters raised by MPLs e.g. Parliamentary Questions & Reports to the Legislature and National Council of Provinces;
■Improving political management of the Legislative Programme through regular interaction with Presiding Officers, Whips, Committee Chairs & Party Leaders
In view of the responsibilities we have highlighted, it is very clear that collectively, we will ensure that through the LoGB office, we will have our fingers on the pulse of this province.
This demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Provincial Unity to ensure accountability, strengthen service delivery, and intervene where necessary to prevent the collapse of services needed by the people.
We conclude by affirming that the Government of Provincial Unity belongs to the people of KZN, irrespective of their political affiliation, race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, religion, or cultural origin.
It therefore becomes the duty of all of us, no matter what our political and economic backgrounds, to work together towards a common objective: nation building.
We all need to take ownership of our freedom and fight for our common destiny.
Once again, thanks to the Premier and to all Members of the Executive Council who are serving under the Government of Provincial Unity.
I thank you.
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma