‘Bring it on,’ : Mashatile tells DA he will support any bill aligned with government priorities

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has said he will support any bill introduced in Parliament, regardless of which party sponsors it, including the DA.

He added that the legislation must aligns with government priorities.

Mashatile made the remarks on Monday while responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town. 

He was answering a question from DA NCOP member Hildegrad Sonja Boshoff, who asked whether he would back a DA-initiated bill aimed at improving the economic well-being of all South Africans.

“I have actually already answered this question,” Mashatile said. 

“Indeed, Honourable Boshoff, I will support any legislation introduced by Members of Parliament, irrespective of any party they come from, as long as this legislation is aligned with our priorities.”

Smiling, he added, “So don’t worry, bring it on. We will look at it. If it’s good and takes us forward, why not? We will support you.”

Mashatile’s response followed his earlier remarks that all legislation is structured to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, reduce poverty and support the development of a capable state. He

He said the 7th Administration’s legislative and policy agenda is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, which serves as the final accelerated implementation phase of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.

The deputy president said the legislative programme centres on three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Bills and policy reforms are designed to support these aims across governance, the economy and social welfare, he said.

Mashatile reminded the NCOP that the Constitution assigns the President and Cabinet the responsibility for preparing and initiating legislation. 

The Leader of Government Business, he noted, oversees the Executive’s legislative programme and monitors its processing by Parliament.

He added that parliamentary rules define how draft bills may be introduced by individual MPs or by committees. 

Mashatile said while the Leader of Government Business manages the Executive’s parliamentary programme, he does not control the introduction or processing of private members’ bills or committee-initiated legislation.

The deputy president said the government would support legislative proposals from MPs or committees if they align with the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and are subject to adequate consultation and consensus.

Mashatile, an ANC member, serves in a GNU that includes the DA. 

Despite their coalition at the national level, tensions have persisted, with the DA opposing several ANC-driven policies and at times threatening to withdraw from the coalition.

The party has nevertheless remained in the GNU, saying it is committed to holding those involved in corruption and nepotism accountable.

The DA recently recently launched “Economic Inclusion for All Bill” to replace Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). 

The bill seeks to amend the Public Procurement Amendment Act of 2024 by repealing all race-based preferential procurement provisions and replacing them with a poverty-based system of empowerment.

The ANC has strongly rejected the proposal, reaffirming its commitment to BEE. 

In October, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said that any amendments must remain consistent with the Constitution.

“Currently, we have a BEE policy that is rooted and underpinned by our Constitution,” Ramaphosa said. 

“If anyone wants an amendment to the BEE Act, they must table their proposals, and they must be taken for discussion in Parliament. At the moment, BEE policies, legislation and regulation apply, without any dilution whatsoever.”

The DA argues that BEE, introduced in 2003 to address apartheid-era economic inequalities, has largely failed to uplift the majority and has instead benefited a politically connected elite.

IOL Politics