DA Provincial Managing Director joins ranks of MPLs

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Provincial Managing Director, Risham Maharaj, joined the ranks of the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) when he was sworn in on Monday morning.
Legislature Speaker Polly Boshielo officiated during the occasion at Parliamentary Village in Polokwane, joined by Deputy Speaker Lehlogonolo Masoga.
As Maharaj, who is being entrusted with the party’s Thabazimbi and Lephalale constituency, was taking up the position three months prior to the elections and afterwards indicated it was an honour to be serving the people of Limpopo and that it humbled him to be given the opportunity.
He said all focus should be on ground activity in connecting with people and advocating the DA manifesto, which was what he intended to do as he planned to interact with the people and spread the message of hope and change. Maharaj conceded that it was a tough battle that lay ahead and predicted exciting elections. His intention was to do a lot of oversight, especially in the rural areas, and see to it that people received the services they deserved, he mentioned.
His image of a future South Africa, he said, was one where opportunity had to be given to all, bringing fairness and equality, creating job opportunities, having access to healthcare as well as ensuring safety and the eradication of crime.
He has been exposed to politics by a father who was still serving a party in KwaZulu-Natal for a number of terms now, he said. While he has been part of the operational side of DA affairs in Limpopo the past five years, Maharaj raised the opinion that is has given him a proper understanding of the challenges he might encounter along the way.
Maharaj has filled the position left vacant by Langa Bodlani, who resigned to reportedly pursue a career in the legal profession.

Story & photos: YOLANDE NEL
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