Cape Town — Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, had a verbal battle with each other during the Opening of Parliament debate on Friday.
Steenhuisen was speaking as a Minister for the first time and focused his speech on the new Government of National Unity (GNU) and the DA’s plans ahead of the seventh administration.
Newzroom Afrika reported that Steenhuisen was on the receiving end of some jibes from Ndlozi over his schooling and qualifications. As Steenhuisen finished his speech, he was interrupted by Ndlozi.
“I wanted respectfully to address the honourable member [Steenhuisen] with his rightful title as a matriculant, seeing there is confusion of titles today. This is a judge [referring to impeached former Western Cape judge president turned MK Party MP John Hlophe] and this is a matriculant,” Ndlozi said.
As the crowd erupted over Ndlozi’s comments, Steenhuisen was quick to hit back at Ndlozi and his party regarding the recent VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
“I think the The grannies, pensioners and stokvels who had their money stolen from VBS Mutual Bank do not sleep better knowing the people who stole from them have doctorates and master’s degrees,” he said in return.
[WATCH] EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi calls DA leader John Steenhuisen a matriculant and Steenhuisen claps back that people with doctorates and masters degrees stole from pensioners.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/ljoxeMreTG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 19, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, Steenhuisen described the GNU as South Africa’s chance to free itself from populism, division and economic decline, but remained firm on his and the DA’s dissatisfaction regarding the National Health Insurance (NHI) but said the parties will find a way forward.
““It will require us to be honest about disagreements where they do exist, and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions.”
“If this [GNU] succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all,” he said,
“Nonetheless, this GNU does broadly represent the builders in South African politics who want to see a better country for every citizen,” he added.
Steenhuisen was upbeat about the DA’s plans within the seventh administration. He said the party was in the GNU because it wants to build South Africa, and that all portfolios with DA representation has moved with speed.
“In agriculture, we are building South Africa by partnering with the private sector to enhance biosecurity, extension services and international trade to turn this sector into an engine of economic growth and job creation.
“In public works and infrastructure, we are exposing corruption and building the foundations to turn South Africa into a giant construction site that grows the economy,” he added.
📺 Watch as DA Leader John Steenhuisen MP addresses Parliament following the President’s speech.
We are builders while others are breakers. Within the Government of National Unity, the DA is working to ensure economic growth and job creation as a top priority to #RescueSA. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/iH2rlhFPy2
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
