The ANC is calling for Alan Winde, the Western Cape premier, to resign, having accused him of displaying “double standards and delinquency” during a meeting of the legislature’s oversight committee on Friday.
Image: Arman Hough/Independent Newspapers
The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature has called for the resignation of Premier Alan Winde following questions over his failure to disclose sponsored travel to the United States.
The demand emerged after a special meeting of the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Premier and Constitutional Matters on Friday, where the budget of the Department of the Premier was under discussion.
During the meeting, ANC members pressed Winde on findings made by the Conduct Committee of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament relating to the undisclosed international trip.
According to the ANC caucus, Winde told the committee he respected the Conduct Committee’s appeals process but simultaneously raised concerns about the committee’s integrity and how it applied the audi alteram partem principle — a legal rule requiring that a person be given a fair opportunity to respond before a decision is taken.
The caucus said the premier’s remarks appeared to suggest that he believed he had not been afforded a fair opportunity to present his case before the committee reached its findings.
ANC members also pointed out that the Conduct Committee whose processes Winde questioned is largely made up of members from his own party, the Democratic Alliance, which governs the province.
The Standing Committee on the Premier and Constitutional Matters is responsible for oversight of the provincial executive, public entities and the implementation of legislation.
Following the meeting, the ANC caucus criticised Winde’s conduct, saying it demonstrated what it described as “double standards and delinquency”.
“The Premier’s double standards and delinquency once again demonstrate his lack of respect for the institutions of our democracy,” the caucus said in a statement.
The party reiterated its position that Winde is “unfit to hold office” and called on him to resign with immediate effect.
DAILY NEWS