Party campaign on the road in uMhlathuze

CHIEF Whip for the Democratic Alliance in Parliament John Steenhuisen, known for his sharp retorts during debates in parliament, visited Empangeni last week to solidify the DA’s position ahead of the local government elections.

For the first time, the DA will be contesting every ward in the uThungulu District Municipality and their message is clear – they aim to bring competency and diversity.

Steenhuisen touched on a number of hot topics, but spoke mostly about the DA’s offer to the voter.

During his speech, he emphasised the need for a link to be created between clean and accountable governance and a better lifestyle.

‘Far too many South Africans are far too poor,’ he said. ‘Our economy is in deep crisis, but the greatest tragedy of this crisis – as those of you in business and agriculture would know – is the fact that many of the wounds our economy is suffering are selfinflicted.

‘These are wounds that have been inflicted by poor policy choices, by decisions being made for the wrong reasons, by putting the wrong people in the wrong positions for the wrong outcomes.’

Steenhuisen also accepted questions from the audience, which dealt with how the DA planned to involve local businesses to bridge the skills gap and also a heartfelt plea for him to tackle the issue of underpaid Transnet and Portnet pensions.

‘People are dying, because they are not being paid what is owed to them,’ said Ray Peyters, who professed to having made a plea for assistance to a number of ministers and other officials.

‘By my calculation I am owed more than R1-million, and I am just one man,’ he said. Steenhuisen vowed to look into the matter and push for it to be brought before Parliament.

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