Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Image picture: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS
Cabinet has delivered a firm warning to the Western Cape government, urging them to refrain from pursuing independent operations as a distinct entity within South Africa. This admonition comes in response to the draft Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill, which seeks to shift control of the police, trade, and public transport from the national government to the provincial government.
During a recent post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni voiced significant concerns about the bill, asserting that it contradicts democratic principles and the vision of a unified South Africa.
It is worth noting that this is not the first instance where the Western Cape government has faced criticism from the national government for perceived deviations from established norms. Just weeks ago, during a taxi strike, the Department of Transport accused the City of Cape Town of enacting an unconstitutional by-law.
Minister Ntshavheni underscored that the Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill is at odds with the country's Constitution and the concept of a singular, unified South Africa. She emphasized, "I have consistently stated that we will provide guidance to the Western Cape government until they comprehend that there is only one South Africa. There will never be two South Africas."
In response to this matter, the Department of Justice will initiate discussions with the Western Cape government to explore alternative, mutually agreeable solutions beyond the scope of their proposed bill.
