STATEMENT BY BRETT HERRON, GOOD MEMBER OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT AND SECRETARY GENERAL
7 APRIL 2020
COVID-19:
GOOD WELCOMES THE ESTABLISHMENT A COVID-19 PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE IN THE WESTERN CAPE
The proposal by the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee of parliament to conduct oversight over the Western Cape Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is welcome.
I look forward to participating in the work of the oversight committee and to contributing to the effort to rapidly contain and defeat this pandemic.
Oversight is essential to ensure that the Western Cape’s response is fair, just and inclusive.
I have already raised a number of issues of concern with the Premier and some of his cabinet ministers. They have failed to respond adequately or at all.
I am particularly concerned about the Province’s rush to interpret the lockdown regulations to permit the sale of cigarettes but their very slow response to implement the amended regulations permitting informal food traders to resume selling food.
Food security is emerging as the biggest threat to the success of the lockdown and is an emerging humanitarian crisis.
I am eager to engage with the government on addressing these and other issues urgently.
If we all play by the same rules and we work together I am confident we can overcome this health emergency.
Ends…