GOOD press statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
26 April 2022
The GOOD Party strongly concurs with President Ramaphosa’s call for unity in action in the wake of the devastating flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the North West provinces.
Yes, the State has a hard-earned history of looting and mismanaging – not least in times of crisis. Now is not the time, however, for political parties to seek to draw advantage from that and further poison the nation’s fragile mood.
It is incumbent on political parties, especially opposition parties in disaster-hit provinces and municipalities, to closely scrutinise government spending and thereby contribute to ensuring that citizens get the relief they’re due.
But rather than focus on reinforcing national anxieties about State corruption and ineptitude, now is a good time to contribute constructively to support the rebuilding of shattered families, homes and infrastructure. To reveal our concern for our compatriots and our collective humanity. To contribute to restoring hope.
Unlike our response to the Covid disaster, which brutally revealed the state of inequality and extreme poverty for many citizens – that only deteriorated as a wave of infections followed wave – the supreme challenge in rebuilding flood-ravaged areas is to build back better.
Let’s build back with an eye to the future. We know that with climate change upon us, we’re in for more extreme weather.
Let us focus on ensuring that disaster funds are well spent, that human settlements aren’t built on flood plains or slippery slopes, that people are provided with adequate potable water and sanitation and that we don’t build back even worse, because we’re in a hurry and resources are thin.
Media enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 0825183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samkelo Mgobozi, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0792315977 (WhatsApp)/0829684021 (calls)
Email: samm@forgood.org.za