Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Executive Chairperson Helen Zille confirmed the party’s commitment to increasing provincial autonomy during a recent appearance on the Big Daddy Liberty podcast.
Zille emphasised the DA’s belief in the devolution of power to the lowest effective level, supporting greater provincial responsibility in areas such as policing, electricity generation, and rail system management.
This stance aligns with the party’s federal principles.
“We are a federal party so we believe in devolution of power. We don’t believe in secession, so we don’t believe in Cape Independence at all but we do believe in the devolution of power to the lowest effective level.
We Ask Helen: What will the Government of National Unity mean for ordinary South Africans? https://t.co/pw5eAOSDb6
— Sihle Ngobese (@BigDaddyLiberty) June 23, 2024
“We believe many functions would be much better delivered in the province. For example, policing, electricity generation and reticulation, and management of the rail system. So certainly, if we get key portfolios, which have not been finalised, we will be promoting decentralisation strongly because we believe that is the best answer for South Africa,” said Zille.
Negotiations for the Government of National Unity (GNU) have been intense, with disputes delaying the announcement of Gauteng’s executive.
While the GNU now includes 10 parties, some, like the Patriotic Alliance and Al Jama-ah, have criticised the DA’s strong negotiation tactics, accusing it of holding the country to ransom.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
