'Doidge's integrity secured job'

By Tanya Jonker

EAST LONDON -- Unquestionable integrity and a strong sense of discipline ensured Transkei politician Geoff Doidge's appointment to Parliament's crucial public accounts committee.

This was said by ANC chief spokesman Smuts Ngonyama yesterday in response to questions about Doidge's credentials for the job.

Doidge, born and raised in eastern Griqualand, was controversially appointed earlier this week to replace fellow ANC MP Andrew Feinstein.

Feinstein led the charge, along with committee chairman Dr Gavin Woods of the IFP, to hold the executive accountable to Parliament for the R43 billion arms deal.

While Doidge remains tight-lipped about his appointment, the ANC endorsed him as "the very best man for the job".

In a brief interview yesterday, Ngonyama told the Dispatch that Doidge, the deputy chief whip in Parliament, was an excellent leader with great potential within the party.

"He is a rising star in the organisation," Ngonyama said. "You don't get appointed deputy chief whip by the ANC if you don't have the ability, and if the organisation doesn't have big plans for you."

Doidge grew up in the Mount Ayliff area and was chosen by the ANC to head its constituency office in this region.

Before being elected to Parliament, he was a leading figure in the ANC's development work, both in the Border and Transkei regions.

He was tasked with the responsibility of setting up the Griqualand Development Forum, and started the process of negotiating with all political parties to drive development.

"Geoff is highly disciplined and has a full and thorough understanding of the policies of the ANC. We are confident that he will do excellent work on the public accounts committee."