DA pats itself on the back for role in the 7th parliament

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) is patting itself on the back, saying it believes it’s played a formidable so far in the seventh parliament.

DA Chief Whip George Michalakis said parliament is in a much better state now than it was six months ago.

For the first time in the country’s history, the DA is playing leadership roles in the running of parliament and oversight of the executive.   

Michalakis said with a weaker opposition in parliament, it's up to his party to continue proper debate on national matters with its Government of National Unity (GNU) partners.

The DA may have swapped seats in the house from a robust opposition in previous administrations to the second largest party in the GNU sitting on the same side of the chamber.

READ: Steenhuisen: Attempts to fire Gwarube would mean the end of the GNU

But the party’s parliamentary whips said their role of ensuring their new partners are held accountable has not changed.

Michalakis said a coalition means constant compromise and differences don’t mean make or break.

"As much we managed to get some of our policies included in what ultimately gets tabled, so our GNU partners will also have to win or lose some of what they propose."

READ: DA reviving 2 private member's bills aimed at stabilising coalitions

Among highlights this year, the DA counts its contribution in the removal of former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, blocking the official opposition leader - the MK Party’s John Hlophe from sitting on the Judicial Service Commission and once again calling for an oversight committee on the Presidency.

"The DA, therefore, stands where it's always stood on the side of the constitution that requires us to use parliament to advance accountability and democracy," said Michalakis.

The party believes a host of new bills that it introduced in this administration including ones on corruption and coalitions, stand a better chance of success in this new political marriage.