The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West is thrilled to announce that two of our Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), Gavin Edwards and Jacqueline Theologo, have been elected as Chairpersons of the Portfolio Committees on Health and Social Development and the Standing Committee on Oversight of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) respectively.

The two Committees play a key oversight role, especially in times where the world is still shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic and this historic victory is also an opportune moment to showcase what impartial and effective oversight entails.

We have long said that opposition parties leading Portfolio Committees is the way towards unbiased oversight, as ANC chairpersons are often reprimanded or even ostracised for acting against ANC officials. This blurs the line between the Legislature and the Executive, which is a hindrance to instilling practices of good governance within Departments and other state entities.

This election heralds new and unchartered times in the NWPL, with a huge task ahead of the elected MPLs. We are however confident that they will add value to the respective Committees and ensure that proper oversight over entities, as per the mandate of the Committees, is carried out.

Issued by DA