Statement from Brett Herron, GOOD member of the Western Cape Legislature
STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS (SOPA) IN MITCHELL’S PLAIN
The DA fears debating the State of the Province address in Mitchell’s Plain. It wants the Premier to deliver his speech in Mitchell’s Plain, but opposition parties to respond in Cape Town.
The Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature has committed the institution to being “a parliament of the people”. GOOD supports the notion of an accessible and relevant legislature to enhance its legitimacy and our democracy.
However, to present a one-sided show in Mitchell’s Plain – no doubt with all the bells and whistles, but without any allowance for the people to hear opposition points of view – is not a people’s parliament. It is a charade, thinly disguising a DA local government election rally.
The people of Mitchell’s Plain and elsewhere in the province deserve to see democracy in action. Opposition parties must be given the opportunity to respond to the Premier’s address in the same venue and format as that used in the Legislature.
Ends…