Quinton Mtyala
ANC-run provinces facing the possibility of amalgamation or having their boundaries altered dramatically have greeted the outcomes of the party’s recent national general council (NGC) with enthusiasm, saying such a move would shift resources in a more equitable manner.
The ANC’s NGC resolved on Sunday that the party would set in motion a process to review the number of provinces.
ANC Free State spokesperson Thabo Meeko said the party was not “fundamental” about the extent of possible changes to the province’s future boundaries.
The ANC’s NGC resolution on the matter meant it would be seriously considered at its conference in December 2017.
Meeko said changing of the provincial boundaries, or amalgamating provinces would allow government to be more responsive.
“The NGC did not resolve on the number, and the character and process of (any) restructuring,” said Meeko.
Eastern Cape Agriculture and Land Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane said the provincial branch of the party also concluded that there would have to be a review of the province’s boundaries.
Western Cape ANC leaders, since the days of Ebrahim Rasool, have lobbied for parts of the Eastern Cape to be amalgamated into the Western Cape.
Qoboshiyane said the Eastern Cape “represents the old order; you’ve combined homelands. But the truth of the matter is that when it comes to the equitable share (of revenue)… these provinces, by virtue of their populations, tend to lose (out).”
ANC Northern Cape secretary Zamani Saul said the provincial executive supported any move which would alter the province’s borders.
“I don’t think we’re looking to re-establish the four provinces... but there’ll be a much more innovative way so that we put up provinces with viable economies,” said Saul.
ANC North West secretary Dakota Legoete said: “Our current economic nodal points are in line with apartheid spatial development.”
UCT constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos said despite what the ANC proclaimed, the move was easier said than done.
He said the ANC simply did not have the support in the National Assembly to effect a change to the constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority, and that while it controlled eight provincial legislatures which would vote on the issue, it was unlikely to get any support in the DA-controlled Western Cape.
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