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Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s plan to host the first State of the Province Address (SOPA) of his seventh term in Ntabankulu is a waste of money and has been preventing the Eastern Cape Legislature from fulfilling its core function of holding his executive to account.

This event will necessitate significant travel and accommodation expenses for the 72 Members of the Legislature and associated staff, as well as extensive logistical arrangements for invited guests. Such expenditure is particularly concerning given that the Eastern Cape is currently in an economic recession.

The planning and logistics for this extravagant event have resulted in it being pushed back several times. The latest scheduled date is 1 August 2024, a full 64 days after the elections.

Not only is the Premier wasting money the province does not have, but he has effectively prevented any governmental oversight, as no portfolio committees can sit until after the first SOPA. Internal Question Papers, a vital tool in holding departments to account, have also been stalled, as no questions can be submitted until the first session of the new term begins, which is after the SOPA address.

The Premier has advocated for cost-cutting measures across government departments throughout his previous term in office, yet still sees fit to waste millions on an event while there is a more than suitable venue already at his disposal.

The DA strongly opposes the unnecessary financial burden these extravagant SOPAs place on the province. The funds expended on these events could be better utilised to address pressing needs within the province, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure

I have written to the Secretary of the Legislature, Nomawethu Ngcakani, to request a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the upcoming SOPA event.

Additionally, I will formally request that the hosting of SOPAs externally be reconsidered and that all future events be held within the Legislature precinct, to minimise unnecessary expenses.

This move aligns with our commitment to responsible governance and fiscal prudence. The government must prioritise the needs of its citizens over grandstanding political expenditures.

The DA will continue to fight for the judicious use of public funds to ensure that the residents of the Eastern Cape receive the services and support they rightfully deserve.

Issued by Yusuf Cassim MPL - DA Chief Whip in the Eastern Cape Legislature