By Lerato Mpembe
Deputy President Shipokosa Paul Mashatile has requested a postponement of his scheduled oral reply session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) due to two important reasons: the passing of former minister and stalwart Dr Pravin Gordhan, and health concerns following a medical incident over the weekend. This was confirmed by Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson for the Deputy President, in an official statement released on 19 September 2024. The NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Maria Tsipane, MP, has granted Mashatile’s request, with plans to reschedule the session at a later date.
The Deputy President was initially scheduled to brief the NCOP on critical issues, including the 7th Administration’s plans to improve municipal performance and address service delivery challenges. However, the session will now be postponed to allow for the Deputy President to recover and to honour the memory of Dr Gordhan, whose funeral will take place in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mashatile’s Request and Circumstances Surrounding the Postponement
Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson for Deputy President Mashatile, explained the two key reasons that led to the postponement. First, the passing of Dr Pravin Gordhan, a revered figure in South Africa’s political and economic landscape, prompted Mashatile to show his respect and allow members of Parliament and government colleagues the opportunity to attend Gordhan’s funeral. Dr Gordhan’s death has been felt deeply across the country, and his funeral is set to take place in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 20 September 2024.
Khoza explained, “The Deputy President thought it prudent to allow members and former colleagues of the minister the opportunity to fully pay their respects and to show their support to the Gordhan family at this difficult time.”
Additionally, the Deputy President has been advised by his medical team to rest and recuperate following a medical incident that occurred over the past weekend while he was in Tzaneen, Limpopo. According to Khoza, Mashatile is “no longer in any danger and is in high spirits” but has followed his medical team’s advice to take a week off from his official duties. As a result, Mashatile has withdrawn from his scheduled official engagements for the current week.
Mashatile’s Commitment to Parliamentary Oversight
Since his appointment during the 6th Administration, Deputy President Mashatile has been deeply committed to ensuring accountability and transparency within the national executive. He has worked closely with the National Assembly and the NCOP to provide regular briefings and updates on key government initiatives aimed at improving governance, service delivery, and the overall functioning of South African municipalities.
Khoza reaffirmed Mashatile’s dedication to parliamentary oversight, stating, “The Deputy President takes parliamentary oversight extremely seriously and has worked tirelessly during his time in office to boost the national executive’s accountability.” Despite the current postponement, Mashatile remains fully committed to engaging with the NCOP and resuming his responsibilities as soon as his health permits.
Rescheduling of the NCOP Session
The postponed NCOP session was meant to focus on critical issues related to municipal performance and service delivery, both of which are crucial challenges facing South Africa today. Deputy President Mashatile was expected to brief the Council on the 7th Administration’s strategic plans for addressing these challenges, especially in municipalities that have been plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and underperformance.
The NCOP session is particularly important given the increasing public demand for improved service delivery at the local level, where many communities are struggling with inadequate access to basic services such as water, electricity, waste management, and infrastructure development. Mashatile’s address was expected to outline a comprehensive approach to tackling these issues and accelerating much-needed reforms.
The Deputy President’s office, along with the NCOP Chairperson, will work together to reschedule the session to a suitable date as soon as possible. The Office of the Deputy President has confirmed that alternative arrangements will be communicated once finalised.
Mashatile’s Priorities in the NCOP Session: Municipal Performance and Service Delivery
Deputy President Mashatile’s planned address to the NCOP was set to cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on improving municipal governance and enhancing service delivery. As South Africa continues to face severe challenges at the local government level, particularly in municipalities that have been placed under administration or have repeatedly failed to deliver on their mandates, Mashatile has made it a priority to drive reforms that will create more efficient and accountable local governments.
The Deputy President’s address was expected to highlight several key initiatives, including:
1. Improving Municipal Governance
• The Deputy President is committed to reforming municipalities by addressing issues related to mismanagement, corruption, and lack of accountability. His approach involves strengthening the capacity of municipal leaders and ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to fulfil their mandates effectively.
2. Accelerating Service Delivery
• A major focus of Mashatile’s address was expected to be on service delivery acceleration, particularly in areas where communities have long been deprived of basic services. This includes improving water supply, electricity provision, and sanitation infrastructure in historically under-resourced areas.
3. Land Reform and Agricultural Development
• Another critical area of focus was the ongoing land reform process, which has seen significant delays in recent years. Mashatile has been working to fast-track the transfer of land to previously disadvantaged communities while also promoting agricultural development to boost South Africa’s food security.
4. Fighting Crime and Economic Sabotage
• In addition to governance and service delivery, Mashatile’s address was expected to touch on the government’s plans to combat crime, particularly the growing issue of criminal extortion and economic sabotage, which have had a detrimental impact on the economy and public safety.Impact of Dr Pravin Gordhan’s Passing on Government
The postponement of Mashatile’s NCOP session also underscores the profound impact that Dr Pravin Gordhan’s passing has had on the South African government and the broader political landscape. Dr Gordhan, who played a pivotal role in South Africa’s economic transformation, is remembered as a dedicated public servant with an unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting transparency.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, with leaders from all corners of the country highlighting his contributions to the fight for democracy and his efforts to build a more just and equitable society. Many government officials, including Deputy President Mashatile, have expressed their condolences to the Gordhan family and acknowledged the deep void left by his departure.
Dr Gordhan’s legacy is expected to be a focal point of the discussions at his funeral, which will bring together a wide array of political figures, colleagues, and friends who have worked alongside him throughout his illustrious career.
Deputy President Mashatile’s Medical Incident
In addition to attending Dr Gordhan’s funeral, Mashatile has been advised to rest following a medical incident that occurred while he was on official business in Tzaneen, Limpopo, over the weekend. While the Deputy President’s office has assured the public that he is in good spirits and no longer in danger, the decision to take a week off from official duties is part of a precautionary measure to ensure his full recovery.
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