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As KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Thami Ntuli prepares to deliver his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, the DA looks to him to outline a comprehensive strategy to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), focus on public safety and the implementation of the province’s financial recovery plan.

As a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA is committed to responding to the needs of KZN’s people. Our province’s continued exposure to FMD - and the devastating effects thereof – must see Premier Ntuli outline a detailed FMD protocol, for now and into the future.

Our people are also desperate for real jobs. The Premier needs to commit to the implementation of KZN’s financial recovery plan to ensure that government can fulfil its mandate of creating an environment conducive to employment. Investment and government partnership with business form a major part of this plan and there is no time to waste.

The DA also wants to see the Premier focus on the following:
• The prioritisation of building a capable state through consequence and accountability within all spheres of provincial government
• The overhaul of government IT mechanisms – essential in building a capable state
• An effective strategy to deal with local government intervention by province, along with consequences for failures.
• Reprioritisation of expenditure into critical governance areas with a strong focus on service delivery by front line departments and;
• Lifestyle audits for KZN government MECs, mayors and departmental and municipal senior officials in order to eliminate corruption in all its forms.

The needs of KZN’s people are not complex. They want a government that works for them. They want a province where they are safe, and they want access to real jobs. KZN’s GPU has the potential to turn our province around. The DA – as a committed and responsible GPU partner - remains committed to making this a reality.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, MPL - Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature