The DA in KZN came out guns blazing in defence of Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, after accusations levelled by the ANCYL in the province.

ANCYL secretary Lulama Mabude recently accused Rodgers of making public utterances targeting the ANC-led provincial departments, including placing the Department of Education under administration; threats made towards the Department of Transport, and the systemic under-funding of the Department of Health.

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Calls were made for the ANC to withdraw from the GPU, stating its participation in the arrangement was a ploy to destroy the party in the province.

The DA responded that Rodgers is working to reduce non-essential spending, ensuring essential services are not compromised, and rooting out corruption.

“Residents deserve better than empty promises and rhetoric,” said DA deputy provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema, who accused the ANCYL of spreading lies and misinformation.

“We fully support MEC Rodgers’ efforts to clean up the mess left by the ANC in this province. We are proud of the progress made under his stewardship, from fighting against the systemic closure of Ithala SOC Ltd, to working towards the financial independence of the AmaZulu Royal Household.

“We condemn the ANCYL’s baseless claims that we are working with the IFP to take over municipalities run by the ANC. The people of the province know the DA is committed to serving their interests, not playing petty politics,” said Ngema.

He added that Rodgers has shown his commitment by introducing an e-tendering system to root out corruption, and intervening in the education department to ensure teachers are paid and critical school projects can continue.

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