Compilation of photos for illustration. (Photo compilation: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
Geordin Hill-Lewis, the newly elected leader of the DA, does not go to pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet does not join. Nor does he intend to manage the party’s six ministers and six deputy ministers.
Maroela Media can confirm that Hill-Lewis asked Leon Schreiber, the DA’s Minister of Internal Affairs, and Ryan Coetzee, the DA’s head of strategy, to coordinate the party’s cabinet caucus on his behalf.
“They are my Rassie and Siya team to deliver the World Cup victory – a growing DA that governs well for everyone,” Hill-Lewis said when asked about this decision.
“Leon is reform-minded and is fixing internal affairs like no minister has done before in that portfolio.
“He and Ryan will work hand in hand to ensure that the DA uses its platform in government to show the DA difference to all South Africans, work to grow the economy and establish the rule of law.”
‘Right decision’
“I think this is absolutely the right decision,” says the political analyst prof. André Duvenhage on the new federal leader’s first decisions.
“I can guarantee you it is a huge job to manage a party of that size and scope,” Duvenhage said on Monday when asked about Hill-Lewis’ decision.
He believes that it is wise of Hill-Lewis to put distance between him and the cabinet given the fact that his predecessor, John Steenhuisen, was especially criticized for his respective roles as party leader and minister of agriculture.
“Look, there are two roles – that of the government of national unity and that of the opposition. The leader of the party must be able to manage both of those two roles (without talking about the party being co-opted) and I think that is what Hill-Lewis has in mind with this. So, the principle is correct.”
Geordin Hill-Lewis during the DA’s recent federal congress. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
‘Strange Choice’
Duvenhage does find Hill-Lewis’s choice of Schreiber and Coetzee “even strange,” especially Coetzee’s.
“Both the two candidates have great merit. We must say that immediately.”
Duvenhage’s reservations about Coetzee are simply about the nature of his current position. “Head of strategy is a very important position. It is a substantial position, but it is an administration position,” Duvenhage pointed out on Monday.
“I suspect the rationale behind it is someone in the cabinet (Schreiber) and someone in the party (Coetzee). And there is merit as far as the rationale is concerned. I’m just worried that some of the ministers might feel that they now have to report to an official.”
“But I know that calling Ryan Coetzee a mere official is an understatement,” Duvenhage admits.
“Coetzee is a seasoned politician. He was in parliament. He was already head of research. He has done excellently so far. I understand that.
“However, the political interests versus administrative interests may be in conflict,” said Duvenhage.
“And then we have to remember, Schreiber is a minister himself.”
But either way, “I think there is a better framework than the one Steenhuisen worked with. It can work,” said Duvenhage.
Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of the Interior. (Photo: GCIS)
Schreiber ‘feel honoured’
Schreiber told Maroela Media on Monday that he felt honored that Hill-Lewis entrusted him with the role.
“Leading the daily liaison between the DA and our colleagues from other parties in the first democratic national coalition government in South African history, in the pursuit of reform that improves the lives of all citizens and showcases the DA difference, is one of the most complex and significant political tasks since 1994.”
Schreiber says that the country’s future ultimately depends on the RNE’s success.
“I will do this work in close collaboration with Coetzee to support and empower the DA’s team in the RNE to carry out the mandate given to us by the voters.
“Cultivating respectful relationships that are key to solving problems and managing diverse interests in pursuit of a greater vision is something I have worked hard to implement since day one in my portfolio of internal affairs.
“I look forward to bringing the same approach to my new role in the interest of making South Africa work for everyone.”