Ramongalo goes to Parliament
"It would be our responsibility as this new administration to ensure that no one is left behind."
SEDIBENG.- It is an interesting time to be a new MP because our political dynamics have changed, no political party won these elections, and like the President said in his inaugural address, it is time to move the country forward collectively as different political parties because that is how people voted.
They have forced us into collaborating so that we finally get to a point where decision-making is geared towards service delivery, and ensuring that we restore the dignity of all South Africans. It is an exciting time because I am the first DA MP to originate from Emfuleni and I have been blessed with the opportunity to represent my community at the highest level of government, which is the National Assembly.
We went through a rigorous process that included assessments, interviews and being assessed on our political and legislative work. The DA chooses its public representatives based on meritocracy and everyone you see occupying those seats, does indeed deserve to be there. This is what makes it an honor, knowing that my hard work has gotten me this far.
I plan to use this opportunity not just to shine light on community issues but I would like young and old people from the Vaal to see their faces reflected in mine, I want this moment to spread into the hearts of people and inspire them to work hard and go for everything they ever said they can’t get.
The DA has done great work to improve service delivery and good governance in places like Midvaal, Kouga, uMngeni, and the province of the Western Cape. Juxtaposition with Emfuleni, which is the worst performing municipality in Gauteng. Something has to change and I pledge to be at the forefront of issues that affect my Vaal community and to ensure that there is consistent inclusion and representation.
The DA will continue to ensure that the key pledges we made in our manifesto promise are included when policy decisions are concerned and those are to create jobs, end load shedding, and water shedding, reduce violent crime, alleviate poverty, tackle corruption to build a capable state and improve public education and healthcare.
It would be our responsibility as this new administration to ensure that no one is left behind as we strive to build a non-racist, non-sexual South Africa. We need to go back and remind ourselves of what we can achieve if we come together and embrace our differences. Especially now when other disgruntled political parties seek to threaten our democracy by using the race narrative to divide us as a nation. Especially now when those parties are using hate speech and threats that low-key allude to the incitement of violence, disruption, and chaos.
I look forward to being in a committee where I will be able to play stringent oversight and to hold the government accountable for any transgressions. Now that the theatrics, costumes, and opulent celebrations of the inauguration are over, we need to be aware that it’s not business as usual and South Africans are counting on us to bring them a new dawn of prosperity.
- Tumelo Ramongalo is a Democratic Alliance (DA) member who is a new Member of Parliament (MP) from the Vaal.
