The KZN legislature would look to give MPLs more say on the gadgets issued to them after some asked for iPads.
|||Durban - The KwaZuluNatal legislature would look to give MPLs more say on the gadgets issued to them after some asked for iPads.
MPL Belinda Scott (ANC) on Wednesday complained that providing tools of the trade to members of the legislature was not being taken seriously.
She said the computers issued to members about five years ago were not of the standard members needed and called for the institution to allow MPLs greater say about their needs.
“Everyone in this house who is computer literate has bought their own iPad. That iPad is much better than that silly computer we were given, which by now has broken down. So I think that we need more thought on the tools of trade given to members,” she said.
She was speaking after Speaker Peggy Nkonyeni tabled the legislature’s budget for the current financial year.
In response to Scott, Nkonyeni gave an undertaking that the legislature would look into the issue, saying: “What you have raised is of paramount importance. We take that advice seriously.”
But during the debate the DA called for some of the MPLs’ benefits to be curtailed.
Radley Keys (DA) questioned why members had their university studies paid for by the legislature when they could afford to pay their own way.
He said the money could be better used to improve schools and other infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, that would benefit the general public. He said members of the legislature seemed to be more concerned about their own comfort and benefits.
Nkonyeni defended this, saying those members who had furthered their studies showed improved performance in carrying out their duties.
Keys welcomed, however, moves to put on ice a proposal to build a gym at the legislature and applauded the new rules on who could be chauffeur-driven at the taxpayer’s expense.
Earlier this year the legislature tightened regulations on the provision of drivers for MPLs. Members are now expected to provide a doctor’s note saying they are not capable of driving themselves, and an independent doctor appointed by the legislature is to assess such members.
Minority Front MPL Ramdaas Bachu said her party welcomed the legislature’s initiative. Woman MPLs were, however, “vulnerable on the road” and the driver policy should be reviewed.
bheki.mbanjwa@inl.co.za
Daily News
