The Premier, Noxolo Kiviet, must decisively spell out how the Provincial Government is going to improve governance in the Eastern Cape so we can create the right climate for economic growth and job creation. A job is the best passport out of poverty. Corruption, maladministration, irregular tender practices and general inefficiencies are a turnoff to [...]

The controversial R1.6 million Matatiele Jazz Festival held in December 2011 was a financial disaster. I will be requesting the Portfolio Committee on Local Government in the Legislature at its next meeting to report this calamity to the Auditor-General.

The provincial government has caved in to union pressure which is a further setback to the state of education in the Eastern Cape. As a result of the compromise made between the Eastern Cape provincial government and unions including Sadtu and Nehawu today. Education in the Eastern Cape is not the winner and the interest [...]

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has no choice but to seek the help of the courts if it wants schooling for the 2012 academic year to get going in this province. I agree that a complaint should be registered against Sadtu with the South African Human Rights Commission, but the investigation may be time [...]

Education is grinding to a standstill in the Eastern Cape following the latest illegal action by Sadtu which has swept across the province this morning. The latest information I have received from the districts is that Sadtu has instructed — and in some cases forced — officials at these offices to vacate the premises. This [...]

The Democratic Alliance has offered legal assistance in a civil claim for a 62-year-old pensioner who was assaulted by the mayor of Tarkastad last week. The victim, Mati (Felicia) Joka, received severe chest injuries after she was attacked by the mayor, Khayalethu Nqiqhi, following an altercation on service delivery.

This updates my statement this morning in relation to opposition parties being excluded from the official delegation which was to accompany the National Council of Provinces ad hoc committee when they hold public hearings in the province on Thursday on the Protection of State Information Bill. Subsequent to my letter I was contacted by the [...]

In a shocking abuse of power and state resources the Eastern Cape Legislature has selected only ANC MPLs to officially accompany the National council of Provinces ad hoc committee when they hold public hearings in the province on Thursday on the Protection of State Information Bill.  Notice; NCOP hearings Protection of State Information Bill This [...]

We as the DA support our councillor in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSD), Raymond Knock, who was suspended in absentia yesterday. After 2011 elections the DA had, for the first time, councillors in each and every municipality in the former Transkei. We are therefore expecting to see an impact in these municipalities where the DA [...]

The two-day lekgotla hosted by the Premier for members of the Executive Council, Mayors and CEO’s of parastatals needs to engage in some very serious introspection on the way forward for this province. Top of the agenda needs to be the issue of job creation and how we can make this a winning province which [...]