Legislature opening wasteful, says ANCYL

MEMBERS of the ANC Youth League in KwaZulu-Natal have lambasted the two-day opening events of the legislature by the king and premier as "fruitless expenditure" by the government

ANCYL members want the money set aside for the lavish openings of the legislature and the state of the province address to be used for service delivery.

KwaZulu-Natal is the only province that has two openings of the legislature.

The provincial government is preparing for the two events next week. King Goodwill Zwelithini will open the legislature on Monday, while Premier Zweli Mkhize will deliver his address on Tuesday.

Sowetan has learnt that one event costs more than R1million and the cost fluctuates.

The ANC-led government inherited this practice from the IFP administration in 2004.

ANCYL provincial chairperson Mthandeni Dlungwane said it was uneconomical for the government to organise two separate events with one purpose.

"The first day the king speaks and people eat, dance and go home," he said.

"And the same applies the next day after the premier's address.

"There is no sound reason for the ANC-led government to have two events. These events can be carried out in one day.

"The government must change the events to prioritise service delivery," he said.

Legislature spokesperson Wonder Hlongwa said the ANCYL could engage the leadership of the legislature with regard to the issue.

"Having two events is a policy of the legislature, so the doors are open for the ANCYL to discuss the issue with the relevant leadership," he said.

"It's unfortunate that they first raise this with the media instead of talking to the legislature leadership," Hlongwa said.

DA leader in the province Sizwe Mchunu said they were very pleased with the ANCYL's call.

"The ANCYL is correct that the two events should be linked. The move would make major cost-cuttings and the money saved can make a difference in people's lives," Mchunu said.