The Western Cape Parliament held its first sitting on Thursday when it saw the re-election of Alan Winde as Western Cape Premier for another five years, which the Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed.

Winde was sworn in alongside Speaker Daylin Mitchell and Reagen Allen as Deputy Speaker.

The elected members swore their oaths of office and Winde said it was a profound honour and privilege.

“In my first term of office, we achieved so much in our efforts to address the wicked problems facing this province, but I know that many of those still remain. As I crisscrossed this province, I saw how many of our residents are struggling and the responsibility that we as government have to step in and provide that critical social safety net for each of them. I owe it to you our residents to work even harder as I lead this government once more,” he said.

The DA congratulated Winde and the new parliamentary leadership and expressed confidence that “they will serve in the best interest of all in the Western Cape”.