ANC WC: Fransman neglects his parliamentary duty

The Leader of the ANC in the Western Cape (WC) failed to attend the public hearings held on the proposed amendments to the WC Constitution. The ANC in the WC has further labelled this critical public participation process, as a ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’ despite their request that the number of hearings held be increased.

In my capacity as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Premier, I will write to the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) to advise her office that Marius Fransman, MPP, neglected his duty by failing to attend the public hearings about the proposed amendments to sections 71 and 78 of the WC Constitution.

Marius Fransman is a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Premier and his attendance is obligatory. It is not up to him to determine whether or not he need abide by his democratic responsibility. Elected public representatives have a duty to represent those who voted for them.

Engagement by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) with the people of the province is a function of democratic constitutionalism. It amounts to government by the people as it allows for public input into matters that affect citizens. As such, the proposed amendments the propose amendments to the WC Constitution are being revised, following the input received during the public hearings.

The Honourable Fransman confirmed that he would in fact attend the public hearings but only did so once 4 of the 7 hearings were already completed. Despite this tardy and negligent confirmation, he still failed to attend the public hearings. This is the actual waste of taxpayers’ money.

Such dereliction of duty shows the contempt that the ANC has for legitimate democratic process and the hypocrisy of the Leader of the ANC in the Western Cape.