NEW MPL HON. ANTONIO CARELS
Bhisho
The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has a new face after Hon. Antonio Carels was sworn in as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) during a ceremony held yesterday. Speaker of the Legislature, Hon. Helen Sauls-August, welcomed Hon. Carels to the House, noting that his swearing-in was conducted in line with Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
The section requires members to swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution before assuming legislative duties.Hon. Carels fills the seat vacated by Mr Anele Lizo, who resigned as an ANC MPL. The new MPL brings extensive experience in local government.
He served as a Ward Councillor from 2006 to 2011, former Deputy Chairperson of the Oversight Committee, now known as the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, and former ANC Whip in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
The Official Opposition also welcomed the new member. Hon. Hendricks of the Democratic Alliance extended congratulations and wished Hon. Carels well in his new role.Deputy Speaker Hon. Jali congratulated Hon. Carels and reminded him of the Legislature’s core mandates of law-making, public participation and oversight.
Addressing Hon. Carels directly, Hon. Jali said as an Honourable Member he is expected to uphold the Standing Rules and the values of the institution.
“I know you are not going to disappoint the people who have entrusted you with this responsibility, and I know you are equal to the task,” Hon. Jali said.
The Legislature said it looks forward to Hon. Carels contributing to advancing service delivery and accountability in the province.
