Fast tracked to Parliament’s front benches

ANT KATZ

Who would have thought it? The only two Jews in Parliament, both novice MPs but specialists in their fields, have already moved to the front benches as deputy shadow ministers in the opposition Democratic Alliance.

Mmusi Maimane, Parliamentary leader of the DA, announced his shadow Cabinet last Friday, and both Darren Bergman and Michael Bagraim were in it.

“I am proud to announce the DA’s new shadow Cabinet,” said Maimane. “This shadow Cabinet will make pragmatic legislative proposals that will tackle South Africa’s problems head on, with a commitment to the creation of real jobs in South Africa.”

The shadow minister of Sport and Recreation is Solomon Malatsi, and his deputy is Darren Bergman. Bergman (PICTURED AT RIGHT) was a long-serving Johannesburg City Councillor prior to his move to Parliament after the May 7 elections.

The shadow minister of Labour is veteran parliamentarian Ian Ollis. His deputy shadow minister is Capetonian Michael Bagraim,  one of the top labour lawyers in South Africa. He is the immediate past chairman of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce and immediate past national president of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies.

SA Jewish Report Online will publish detailed CVs of the two men shortly.

Maimane said on Friday that “the DA shadow Cabinet would work to provide robust oversight of government but would also put alternative solutions on the table.

“We will work to fight corruption and will advocate for policies that will create jobs. Everything we do will be focused on growing the economy, and creating more jobs,” said Maimane. “We have assembled the best possible team to fight for the interests of all South Africans in Parliament.”

Maimane said that his party, the official opposition to the African National Congress, followed a rigorous interview process with individual MPs in the DA caucus.

“I have sought to place members in portfolios where they are not only fit for purpose, but are passionate about the work of their portfolios and are also fully capable of providing leadership in their respective portfolio allocations.”

LEFT: MICHAEL  BAGRAIM.

The DA Parliamentary leader said his team of South Africans brought together a diverse range of views and experiences “that I believe will be a force for change at a time when innovative and creative policy is necessary to take South Africa forward”.

While Pres Jacob Zuma’s ANC continued to offer more of the same, he said, “we will present new solutions to poverty, unemployment and economic stagnation.”