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The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Gauteng Province dismisses with contempt the mischievous and grand-standing motion of no confidence tabled by a coalition of the right-wing conservative party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the extremist neo-fascist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

We have defined and characterized this concocted coalition of extreme poles as the enemy camp against the revolutionary and historic people's camp led by the African National Congress, SACP, COSATU and SANCO and the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM).

It is important to note that whilst the motion was formally tabled by the EFF, the debate was led and closed by the right-wing conservative DA. This demonstrates beyond doubt that the EFF remains a co-opted puppet, desperately servicing the historic master.

The motion of no confidence against Honourable Premier comrade David Makhura follows the tragic loss of life of mental health patients that were transferred from Life Esidemi to various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) in the province.

The ridiculous, pompous and frivolous motion of no confidence against the Premier was tabled this morning in the Gauteng Legislature. The motion was overwhelmingly defeated by the ANC.

We congratulate the ANC for sending this wicked motion to the dustbin of history, thus dismissing it with the contempt it deserves. We firmly believe that the motion of no confidence is slanderous, mischievous and wicked for the following reasons, amongst others:

Prompt and swift investigation of the matter

Premier Makhura has demonstrated beyond any shadow of doubt his unwavering commitment to the people-centred and people-driven, open, ethical and clean administration since taking office in 2014. Makhura demonstrated his commitment to these principles when he provided sterling leadership since the matter came to his attention.

The Premier, working with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi correctly took a decision to set up a proper investigation process, led by the Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegalapuru Makgoba. The outcome of this process has finally laid bare the facts and the truth that has now set the record straight and thus ending the litany of speculation.

We now have scientific facts and recommendations that are critical to the families to find ever-lasting closure. The Premier is now implementing the recommendations with speed and absolute resolve. Already, the Premier accepted as a matter of principle the resignation by then MEC of Health, and commenced with the process of holding senior managers accountable, including the Head of the Department.

Comprehensive support to the families to find everlasting closure

Premier David Makhura worked very well and closely with the families providing the necessary support on the matter, and lead the healing ceremony that was held with the families in Tshwane.

During his State of the Province Address (SOPA), Premier Makhura persuasively presented to the people of our province and country a passionate plea of the families as they try, under difficult conditions, to find everlasting closure.

True to his principled character, Premier Makhura indeed conveyed the plea of the families to all political parties and their members to refrain, with immediate effect, from using this tragic loss of life for cheap political point scoring and personal aggrandisement.

In case the doubting Thomases and opportunists thought the Premier had invented this passionate plea of the families, it was confirmed and emphasised in the press statement issued on behalf of the families by their Committee last week.

Frivolous, self-serving and grand-standing motion of no confidence

We are thus dismayed and shocked that the forces within the enemy's camp deliberately and consciously chose to ignore facts before them that prove that Premier David Makhura has provided excellent and sterling leadership under extremely testing circumstances. We congratulate the Premier in this regard.

We are also further shocked and dismayed that the concocted coalition of forces constituting the enemy camp did not respect nor show any sensitivity to the plea of the families.
They continued to disrespect the plea of the families by desperately and literally trying to cash-in on the tragic loss of life and extract political gain on the tragedy, thus earning the title of "honorable" members of fortune.

We are therefore left with no option but to conclude that this concocted coalition of the forces within the enemy camp are acting like political vampires dancing on the graves of the deceased, literally feeding and scavenging on the tragic loss of life for their own personal satisfaction and self-interest.

We call on these forces to refrain from inflicting double tragedy on the families and heed their plea as conveyed by Premier David Makhura. We also congratulate the families for isolating the enemy camp, and staying firmly within the people's camp.



Issued by the SACP Gauteng province