Gauteng deputy speaker Refiloe Ntsekhe resigns DA’s Refiloe Ntsekhe was elected deputy speaker in the first sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

[Nat Quinn]

Gauteng deputy speaker Refiloe Ntsekhe resigns

DA’s Refiloe Ntsekhe was elected deputy speaker in the first sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) Refiloe Ntsekhe has resigned from her position as deputy speaker in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

The decision comes as the DA announced that it would not form part of Gauteng’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) as negotiations between the two parties were deadlocked over positions in the executive council.

GAUTENG DEPUTY SPEAKER RESIGNS FROM HER POSITION

As previously reported, last Wednesday, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga confirmed that Refiloe Ntsekhe would resign following the disagreement.

On the same day, Lesufi announced an executive council comprising of representatives from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Rise Mzansi.

Msimanga told The Citizen that the deputy speaker would resign because her being in that position is not serving what the party actually envisioned.

“We were looking at playing a meaningful role in the executive with a number of positions and also in the legislature where her position would have complemented that of the chair of chairs plus other oversight committee chairpersons,” Msimanga told the publication.

Further, Msimanga said that after robust engagements and weeks of negotiations, they have declined to take up seats on the ANC’s terms and will not form part of the executive of the GPU.

He said that after a prolonged engagement involving various senior members of parties on both ends, they found themselves unable to accept a counteroffer to their offer. The offer made to the DA was and continues to be one we find both unfair and unreasonable.

“In the spirit of unity and to build a relationship with a foundation of trust, we entered these critical negotiations. It is, however, impossible for the DA to be co-opted into government, as we are meant to be power-sharing partners.

“We will not be functionaries who rubber stamp decisions made by an executive that, evidently, is intent on keeping us on the edge of the fray. Beyond the problematic nature of an attitude that seemingly does not understand what their significant loss of the vote share in Gauteng entails, an air of refusal to be partners, which ultimately is the goal, dominated conversations,” Msimanga explained.

DA MPL Refiloe Ntsekhe has resigned from her position as deputy speaker. Image: X/@RefiloeNtsekhe

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL?

Here are the Gauteng MECs:

• Health – Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (ANC)

• Environment – Sheila Mary Peters (Patriotic Alliance)

• Agriculture and Rural Development – Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi)

• Social Development – Faith Mazibuko (ANC)

• eGovernment – Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP)

• Roads and Transport – Kedibone Diale-Tlabela (ANC)

• Education, Sport, Arts and Culture – Matome Chiloane (ANC)

• Infrastructure Development and COGTA – Jacob Mamabolo (ANC)

• Human Settlements – Tasneem Motara (ANC)

• Treasury and Economic Development – Lebogang Maile (ANC)

source:Gauteng deputy speaker Refiloe Ntsekhe resigns (thesouthafrican.com)

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