Cadre deployment, cross-border crime - and a R6-million funeral, but there’s hope in the Free State…

Summary

In this interview, Democratic Alliance leader in the Free State, Roy Janilson, discusses the impact of national politics on provincial governance. He highlights the recent shift in power, with opposition parties gaining committee chairpersonships for the first time since 1994, due to the ANC's vote share dropping to 52%. Janilson expresses optimism about the legislature's strengthened position to hold the executive accountable. He also addresses state capture, corruption, and cross-border crime, emphasizing the need for political will and improved law enforcement to combat these issues.

Takeaways

• 📉 The ANC's support in the Free State dropped to 52%, leading to a shift in committee chairpersonships within the Free State Legislature for the first time since 1994.
• 🔄 The Democratic Alliance (DA) and other opposition parties gained chairperson positions in the legislature, reflecting a change in political dynamics.
• 🗳️ The legislature's size is small, with only 30 members, which makes the distribution of positions significant in terms of political influence.
• 🤝 The DA indicated a willingness to work more closely with other parties within the legislature to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
• 🛠️ The legislature's role is to hold the executive accountable, and the DA intends to continue this role from its new positions.
• 📊 The opposition's increased representation on committees from one to two members per committee strengthens their influence in legislative decision-making.
• 🏛️ The ANC had to reduce a cabinet position to provide an additional seat in the legislature but still couldn't achieve the necessary majority.
• 💡 Roy Janilson, the DA leader in the Free State, is optimistic about the legislature's ability to improve oversight and service delivery.
• 🛑 A report by the Public Protector criticized excessive spending on a provincial official's funeral, revealing conflicts of interest and the need for cost capping.
• 🚨 Cross-border crime, including smuggling and cattle rustling, is a significant issue in the Free State with economic and social impacts.
• 🛡️ There is a call for a change in law enforcement culture and policies to effectively combat crime, including the use of technology for rural crime prevention.

Q & A

What significant change occurred in the Free State Legislature last week?

For the first time since 1994, opposition parties received chairpersonship of committees within the Free State Legislature due to the ruling party's vote share dropping to 52%.

How did the Democratic Alliance (DA) benefit from the recent political developments in the Free State?

The DA managed to obtain two chairperson positions in the legislature, one for the committee on petitions and the other for the committee of infrastructure, strengthening their position within the committees.

What was the reason behind the ruling party's inability to fill all committee chair positions?

The ruling party was left with only six seats in the legislature after the executive was constituted, which was insufficient to fill all the required positions due to the opposition having 40 seats.

How does Roy Janilson view the impact of the new legislative dynamics on the Free State?

He is optimistic, believing that the legislature will be stronger and more capable of holding the executive accountable, which he sees as crucial for addressing service delivery issues and corruption.

What was the Public Protector's report about regarding the funeral costs of an MEC?

The report agreed with the DA that the funeral costs were excessive and found a conflict of interest within the Premier's office, recommending capping state funeral costs and disciplinary action against involved officials.

How did the crossborder crime affect the Free State according to Roy Janilson?

Crossborder crime, including smuggling, cattle rustling, and human trafficking, has a significant economic impact and poses serious challenges to law enforcement in the region.

What is the role of the Portfolio Committee of Police in addressing crossborder crime?

The Portfolio Committee of Police, which includes members like Ian Cameron, is expected to improve law enforcement culture and implement policies to effectively combat crossborder crime.

What are some of the challenges faced by the Free State in terms of state capture and corruption?

The challenges include the continuation of cader deployment policies that facilitate state capture, a lack of political will to address these issues, and the ongoing impact on service delivery and human rights.

What is the significance of the arrest and extradition of the former Premier of the Free State?

The arrest and extradition are seen as an opportunity for the state to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption through convictions, which could send a strong message to the public.

What are the recommendations made by the Public Protector regarding state funeral costs?

The recommendations include capping state funeral costs by the President and the National Head of Treasury and subjecting certain officials to disciplinary action within specific time frames.

How does Roy Janilson suggest improving law enforcement to combat crime in the Free State?

He suggests decentralizing law enforcement to provincial and local levels, implementing special rural units equipped with technology like drones and cameras, and changing the culture and political will to enforce existing laws.