Independent Democrats Deputy Leader Simon Grindrod has today called on new Western Cape Premier Lynne Brown to urgently end the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the appointment of new MECs to her provincial cabinet.

Grindrod, who is also the Mayco Member for Economic Development and Tourism in Cape Town, said:

'Currently there are no ministers in charge of critical portfolios such as Finance and Tourism, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and uncertainty surrounds who exactly is managing other departments critical to service delivery.

'The resignation of Tasneem Essop means that important planning and development decisions are being delayed. This is extremely bad for business confidence in the Western Cape.

'Premier Brown's previous portfolio of Finance and Tourism remains empty, which affects continuity in the budgetary process.

'The effect of delaying the appointment of new MECs is further worsened by the many months it usually takes the new incumbents to get to grips with their new jobs.

'Premier Brown is obviously battling to appoint new MECs because of the destructive internal ANC divisions – I call on her to put service delivery to the people before the self interests of camps within the ANC.'

ENDS

Further enquiries – Simon Grindrod 084 200 6060