The ANC Caucus in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature notes with aghast and dismay at the frivolous and ill -conceived motion by the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to cast aspersions and eventually discredit the outcomes of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process on the painful Life Esidemeni saga. As the Caucus we have always maintained our deep regret and remorse on this tragic event. The motion seeks to pre-empt the judicial processes that are currently underway in making sure that this matter is brought to finality without further prolonging the pain of affected mental health patients and the families. The DA in their quest to have some relevance, has once again tried to use this tragic event for cheap political point scoring despite numerous and impassioned plea by the families that this painful tragedy should not be used for political point scoring. We urge the DA to have an iota of respect for the rule of law and due processes and avoid these unnecessary gimmicks. Grandstanding at the expense of the affected mental health patients and the families is the worst form inhumanity and insult. The ANC Caucus in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature remains steadfast in its commitment to our responsibility in the Legislature to hold the government and the executive accountable through the strengthening of oversight mechanism, interacting with the people of Gauteng through public participation platforms at Legislature level. We are shocked but not surprised at the conduct of the DA today in the Gauteng Legislature when they walked out of the House during the debate of the motion, like a typical spoilt brat who causes unnecessary commotion when things don’t go their way. The defeat of this motion mirrors the crisis that has engulfed the DA hence this gimmick to remain relevant to the population of Gauteng, the DA has nothing to offer the people of Gauteng hence they now resort to such unwarranted behaviour. Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip, Cde Mzi Khumalo For enquiries please contact Cde Lesego Makhubela ANC Gauteng Provincial Legislature Caucus Spokesperson 079 477 0241