Winde vows to keep fighting for devolution of policing powers, bigger budget for WC
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that he would continue to push for the devolution of policing powers to the province and for a bigger portion of the budget to match the growing population.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. Picture: @alanwinde/X
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that he would continue to push for the devolution of policing powers to the province and for a bigger portion of the budget to match the growing population.
But he’s also heaped praise on the new Government of National Unity (GNU) and Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa for the swift response to the recent floods.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday in response to Thursday night’s Opening of Parliament Address, Winde said he feels a new spirit of optimism to move the country forward brought on by the formation of a GNU.
In reference to a call by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday night, Winde said the province was ready to be weavers and builders to support the GNU.
But he said it did not mean he would stop fighting for what he believed was due to the province.
"The province with the third-most citizens, the third-largest population in our country, but we get the fifth-most budget. We need to make sure, and I will fight, for our fair share of the budget in this province."
Winde said he would work with other fast-growing provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to ensure their budgets matched their populations. He said that the health and education sectors were bearing the brunt of inadequate funding.
On Saturday, Winde is expected to meet Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and said that his protracted battle for power over policing in the province remained on his agenda.
"Our citizens feel gangsterism and crime every day. I'm still going to work with you, but I'm going to fight for more devolution of power. I do believe it’s the right thing to do."
Winde said he would base his arguments on data and evidence.