Sir
The Democratic Alliance has called for punitive measures to be taken against five KZN ANC MPLs after a critical Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) portfolio committee could not go ahead as a result of their absence and a quorum not being reached.
Top of the agenda at the meeting was the dire state of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s finances, with Treasury also due to give its input on this. Also on the programme was the filling of critical vacant posts, including that of rangers, along with steps to be taken following the committee’s finding last week that wildlife is escaping from the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park as a result of shoddy workmanship on what is supposed to be a brand new fence.
In failing to attend this portfolio committee, these five ANC members of the provincial legislature have shown their complete disdain for the very people they are elected to represent.
Their absence was also a slap in the face to the other MPLs, at least 20 Ezemvelo managers, management from the Department of Environmental Affairs and committee support staff who were in attendance.
And then there is the cost implication of having a room full of people sitting, waiting for nothing. Certainly, this is the worst kind of fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
It is intolerable that this meeting could not go ahead simply as a result of uncaring ANC members. If the once great Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is to be resurrected, all parties need to be on board.
Ann McDonnell, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
