Santosh Kalyan

Sandy

What is your political background? I was studying at the University of Durban Westville at the time of the 1976 uprising. I was inspired to become involved in student politics at that time.

While serving my internship as a psychologist at UKZN, I became involved in lunch time discussions with students and staff and after having a conversation with Tony Leon, former leader of the DA, I was inspired to run for public office. I am a liberal democrat so the choice of the DA was automatic.

I worked as a volunteer for the DA and got to know the workings of the party. At the time the Constitution was just a little book of knowledge. In 1999 I was elected to represent KZN in the National Assembly. I am currently in my fourth term.

What does my job as an MP entail?? I have served the party on many portfolios such as Health, HIV/AIDS, Social Development, Home Affairs and currently I am on the Portfolio Committee for International Relations and Co-Operation.

I was also a Whip and Deputy Chief Whip and was tasked to serve the party on the Review of the National Assembly Rules - a process which started in 2013 and culminated in 2016.

I also have the distinct honour of being a “double MP’. I was elected to the Pan African Parliament in 2009 and am currently serving my second term there. I chair the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee.

What are your thoughts on the Fifth Parliament? The Fifth Parliament has been a huge disappointment. Rules are broken on a daily basis, the decorum of the House has degenerated into chaos on may occasions and the use of force to eject MPs in a violent manner has brought the House into disrepute. Voters are watching Channel 408 for the “next episode” as though it is a "soapie". This is most unfortunate.

What constituency have you been assigned to and what aspects interest you the most about constituency work. My Constituency is West Durban which stretches from Westville up to Cato Ridge. I work actively in the development of youth.

What are you most passionate about? This applies both in a political/professional, as well as personal arena. Education and skills development. I believe that an education or a skill is the key to financial independence. Not everyone can be a doctor or a lawyer. We need to remember that the doctor or lawyer needs a hairdresser, plumber or an electrician.

What is your message to South Africa? We live in a beautiful land. Our past is the past. We must live in harmony and respect each others language, religion and culture.

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