Democratic Alliance Latest News

DA calls on HRC to intervene on behalf of Eastern Cape students

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:04:05 +0200

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will today lodge a complaint against the South African Democratic Teachers� Union (SADTU) in the Eastern Cape with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) for violating the constitutional rights of thousands of learners in that province.

Cuban bailout: Minister Davies must account to Parliament

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:18:00 +0200

The South African government has wasted R600 million on sustaining the failed Cuban state, including what government has called a "solidarity grant". This follows a R1.4 billion Cuban bailout that President Zuma authorised in December 2010.

The Trenches of Democracy

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0200

Note to editors: The following speech will be delivered by DA Parliamentary Leader Lindiwe Mazibuko MP at the Cape Town Press Club at 13:00 today.

In South Africa today, as in any democracy, there are a great many opinions about the state of our nation – where we are, where we are going, and even where we have been. From analysts to politicians to journalists and ordinary citizens, everyone seems to have a different perspective on the most important matters of the day.

Mining super-tax will kill jobs

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0200

The ANC has come out in support of a super-tax on mining profits in South Africa. There are a number of problems with this proposal, not least of which is the negative effect such a tax will have on jobs in the fragile mining sector. The ANC should explain why this is a good idea to every person who is set to lose their job because of this super-tax.

Self-serving Public Service: SA needs anti-corruption laws

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:25:00 +0200

The latest Auditor General�s (AG) report clearly indicates that South Africa is in urgent need of legislation prohibiting inappropriate business dealings between the state and civil servants.

Minister Davies must come clean on his knowledge of Lotteries Board mismanagement

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:15:00 +0200

Reports indicate that Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, received a memorandum during July last year from members of the National Lotteries Board (NLB). The memo detailed a long list of grievances and administrative problems at the NLB.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane needs to summon Syrian ambassador over human rights abuses

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:43:16 +0200

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of International Relations to summon the Syrian ambassador to her office and deliver a strong letter of protest over the recent human rights developments in Syria.

NPA cannot refuse explanation to Parliament on threatened suspension of Arms Deal Prosecutor

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:06:00 +0200

The current leadership of the NPA should remember, before it contemplates suspending Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach, that it is accountable to Parliament under section 35 of the NPA Act on all its powers, functions and duties, including decisions regarding the institution of prosecutions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) will want answers regarding the suspension with which Adv. Breytenbach is threatened as well as the NPA�s handling of the cases thought to have triggered the threat of suspension.

State of the Nation: Five key reforms that will change the lives of South Africa�s youth

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:41:33 +0200

Next week the President will set out his key areas of focus for South Africa in the coming year. With close to 70% of South Africa�s population under the age of 35 and youth making up some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, it is vital that the needs of young South Africans are given specific attention by the President in his State of the Nation speech.

Secrecy Bill hearings: ANC trying to manufacture legitimacy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:37:09 +0200

The ANC went to great lengths to manufacture public support for the Secrecy Bill at the public hearings I attended in the Eastern Cape today following the embarrassing opposition to the legislation in Gugulethu and Thembalethu in the Western Cape.