KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Pietermaritzburg: 30 November 2010  

Honourable Speaker

The provincial Legislature’s programme for this year has come to a close. I am pleased to observe that the economic climate at the close of this year is substantially more favourable than it was at this time last year. The global economic recession has given way to economic recovery and there are tangible signs of this in our province.

The provincial government has done a lot to improve the state of our public finances during the past year and for this it deserves praise. At the same time, the people of KwaZulu-Natal have had to endure another annual round of costly political jamborees, known as izimbizo and Taking Parliament to the People. The main preoccupation of these has not been, as one would expect, promotion of service delivery but rather that of the ruling party. It is my fear that these wasteful occasions will multiply as we approach the local government elections next year. 

This Legislature has not had the opportunity to carry out its oversight role in some of this year’s most pressing issues as many of the outstanding reports on investigations remain hidden from public scrutiny. We are grateful for the commitment by the MEC for Finance to greater openness and as the Official Opposition we will judge this government on her undertaking to keep this House up-to-date on all ongoing investigations.

As Leader of the Official Opposition, I would like to see the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature approach its oversight obligations to the South African citizen and taxpayer with considerably more vigour and dedication in the New Year 2011.

We in the Official Opposition also wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2011. May you spend your festive season in health, peace and prosperity among your loved ones. 

We extend our best wishes to members of other opposition parties, our political opponents on the opposite side of this House, staff of the Legislature, members of the media and the public. Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year to all. 

I thank you.