Thembi Nkadimeng of the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has expressed concern over the Democratic Alliance's (DA) efforts to introduce a provincial powers bill in the Western Cape.
Nkadimeng argues that the central government should regulate the powers of the states, in response to the DA's intention to give more powers to competent state and local governments.
The proposed bill aims to give states and local governments powers to address service delivery issues when the national government is unable to do so.
Speaking at a press conference during the ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg, Nkadimen urged Western Cape residents to reject the bill, arguing that the constitution does not support federalism.
She stressed that all states' powers are delegated from the central government and denounced the DA's move as unconstitutional.
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In response, the Revolutionary Alliance, made up of the ANC, the South African Communist Party (SACP), the South African Congress of Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African National Civic Organization (SANCO), condemned the DA's bill.
They accused the DA of trying to preserve apartheid-era white privilege and undermining constitutional principles.
But the DA argues that the bill aims to maximize states' powers and address service delivery challenges in areas that overlap with national functions. The report highlights the success of initiatives such as the Law Enforcement Advancement Program (LEAP), which contributed to a 14% year-on-year decline in homicide rates in the Western Cape.
As the debate continues, the ANC alliance plans to send members to public hearings on the bill in the state.
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#ANC Thembi Nkadimeng: We call on the people of the WC to reject the Transitional Powers Bill. South Africa belongs to everyone who lives there. #sabcnews
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 28, 2024
#ANC Nkadimeng: DA is the party of Swart gevaar and resists change. We will reject this bill and fight racism wherever it rears its ugly head. #sabcnews
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 28, 2024
#ANC Nkadimen: Today's DA represents a racist past, and today the DA seeks to further divide our country in the apartheid Western Cape. Mr Steenhuisen promised a referendum on the independence of the WC. #sabcnews
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 28, 2024
#ANC Nkadimen: The DA has made matters worse by failing to build a hospital in the Cape Plains and showing that it is opposed to national health insurance. They are in bed with Dr. Death. #sabcnews
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 28, 2024
#ANC Nkadimen: Less than 3% of the majority of land in the Western Cape is owned by black people, which is worse than in any other province. African children are still excluded from old Model C schools. Black people are being disrespected and WC is currently 5th in the Matrix results. #sabcnews
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 28, 2024
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