DA to intensify monitoring of GBV cases in Upington
by Adv Boitumelo Babuseng, MPL – DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
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Date: 06 July 2018
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance calls on the MEC for Finance, Economic Development & Tourism to reverse yet another political appointment at one of the provincial entities. It is time for the MEC to change his mindset and to start appointing suitably qualified board members instead of cherry-picking his political favourites. The work done by entities are too important to be left to the political whims of the MEC.
The appointment of COSATU’s provincial chair, Zamani Mathiso, as acting chairperson of the Northern Cape Gambling Board is clearly another attempt to extend the MEC’s corruptive collusion and patronage network through the work of the entity. The Northern Cape Gambling Act prohibits office bearers in political parties from being appointed as board members as boards must operate independently, without undue influence from political puppet masters.
While COSATU is a trade union, it is part of the Tripartite Alliance and thus an extension of a political party. As provincial chair, Mr. Mathiso is very active in the political arena and it is this type of political pitfall which the Act seeks to avoid.
It is not the first time that the MEC has confused his powers when appointing board members, as he has also appointed ineligible members to the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.
For the sake of the provincial economy, it is of the utmost importance that the Gambling Board must be stabilised. After serious allegations of misconduct led to the dissolution of the former board in March 2017, the entity operated without a board for seven months. Not only has the chairperson resigned, but there remains a high number of vacancies in senior and critical positions. The entity has a crucial role to play in the regulation of the provincial gambling industry, which can deliver much-needed revenue to the provincial coffers, but is being hamstrung with the MEC’s political games.
It is clear that only a DA-led government can deliver the type of change needed for the provincial economy to grow.
Media Enquiries
Adv Boitumelo Babuseng, MPL
DA Provincial Spokesperson for Economic Affairs
082 302 2117 / 079 874 6179
Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
071 251 5558
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