MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature swore in a new member on August 21.
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Cyril Chuene filled the vacancy following the passing of late MPL Tersia Marshall.
The DA held a media briefing led by its Caucus Leader, Bosman Grobler, who welcomed Chuene. Grobler described him as a valuable member of the party who brings experience and will strengthen the DA’s work in holding the executive accountable.
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Grobler said that, although Chwenyi comes from a local government background, he will adapt to his new role as he gains experience. “I think it’s really something you learn as you go along. One thing I’ve personally learned about Cyril is that he takes the time to read documents. I think it’s one of the most important things an MPL can do. He was just in the Speaker’s office and was handed all the relevant legislation, as well as the members’ rules and order book.
“If you work through that, you know what you’re allowed to do and what you’re not allowed to do. Ultimately, you understand your mandate. From there, you learn on the job. Representing people in local, provincial or national government is essentially the same thing – it’s just at different levels of government.”
Grobler added that Chuene’s extensive experience in local government would serve him well in the provincial legislature.
“I have no doubt that he will hold the executive accountable. One of our key responsibilities is oversight. We receive reports and read them, but as the late Ellen Susman used to say, ‘Go and see for yourself.’ You need to verify whether what departments report is accurate and whether it reflects the reality on the ground. I am confident that Cyril will do that and serve very well.
“If you take up a position as a councillor, MPL or MP and choose not to work, you are not going to excel.”
Grobler said he knows Chwenyi to be a hard worker and a self-motivated individual. He added that the DA requires public representatives who can identify issues, conduct research and perform effective oversight.
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“There’s no doubt in my mind that he will be able to step into his role and make the best of it,” said Grobler.
Meanwhile, Chuene said he has an extensive political background, although he only joined the DA in 2019. He served on the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in the Mbombela Local Municipality for two terms.
“My educational background is in public affairs and local government, and I hold a postgraduate qualification in the field. Therefore, it was not difficult to grasp the issues. Since 2021, we have made a significant impact. We have exposed a great deal of corruption, including matters involving some provincial departments. As a result, people have trust in the DA,” he said.
