+34Most readers said the move was a 'waste' and asked why the country would spend 'billions rebuilding what we already have'.
The EFF proposed parliament be relocated from Cape Town to the City of Tshwane. last week, EFF leader Julius Malema said parliament’s location creates several problems for MPs, politicians and “broader society” wanting to participate in parliament’s legislative and oversight functions.
“Parliament is located in the farthest province from most provinces, making it inaccessible to most South Africans, including MPs who spend a significant amount of time travelling to and from parliament,” Malema argued. He said participation in parliamentary programmes is limited to individuals and institutions with financial resources and excludes those unable to travel to Cape Town. “As a result, parliament and government spend a lot of money on travel and lodging for MPs, the executive, the government and state officials to keep colonial agreements that separate the administrative and legislative capitals in two cities by racist colonisers who excluded most black people and still do so today,” he said.The EFF’s proposal was welcomed by transport minister Fikile Mbalula, who said relocating made sense. “We have long taken a decision to relocate parliament to Gauteng, but not at the exploitation of dubious circumstances like burning down a building. Relocating makes financial and political sense,” However, it was also met with a backlash from some politicians, including DA federal chairperson Helen Zille and former MP Phumzile Van Damme, who questioned the financial, infrastructure, employment and constitutional implications of such a move.TimesLIVE ran a poll asking readers what they thought about moving parliament. Most said it was a “waste” and asked why the country would spend “billions rebuilding what we already have”.Support independent journalism by subscribing to the
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