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As KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Thami Ntuli, prepares to present his maiden State of the Province Address (SOPA) tomorrow, the DA looks forward to a message aimed at restoring hope in our province.

As part of the newly elected government of provincial unity (GPU), the DA is very aware of its responsibility to the many citizens who came out and voted for us. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our election pledges come to fruition.

This commitment starts tomorrow with Premier Ntuli’s address. The DA expects the Premier to provide solution-driven plans to turn our ailing provincial economy around and create an environment conducive to job creation. Equally, the socio-economic issues facing so many citizens must form a key element of the Premier’s plans going forward.

KZN’s people can also no longer live in a province where lawlessness has become the norm. Their safety needs must be addressed. The DA stands firm on its election pledge of the creation of a provincial police service, one that is well-resourced, well-trained and free of political interference.

KZN’s people also cannot be expected to continue suffering as a result of poor service delivery and the DA’s election pledges of proper water and electricity supply need to form a key part of the Premier’s address.

The DA also stands firm on its commitment of rigorous oversight and accountability within the GPU. In this regard, we sincerely hope that Premier Ntuli will commit to the creation of an independent provincial anti-corruption unit, with the power and tools to investigate allegations of bribery and corruption.

Education and Health services are yet another election priority area for the DA and we look forward to the announcement of initiatives aimed at reducing prolonged waiting times at KZN’s health services. In terms of Education, we look forward the introduction of systemic testing for learners and teachers in order to reach and maintain improved standards.

It is due to the millions of people who voted for the DA that these issues are now firmly on the GPU table. Our key roles within the provincial cabinet bode well for their implementation and we reaffirm our pledge to our voters to ensure that they are prioritized going forward. These priorities need to be undertaken in an environment of fiscal consolidation, as KZN continues to battle a stagnant economy and severe budget cuts on its equitable share.

Now, more than ever, the building of a capable and ethical state is imperative in reaching our objectives. With the right political will, our province can be renewed and real change can begin, starting tomorrow.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, MPL - Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature