The Western Cape has a new acting premier until next week, and the ANC in the province is demanding more clarity on why.
On Monday, the DA’s Tertius Simmers, who is the Western Cape Government’s Infrastructure MEC, shared his swearing-in ceremony on social media, as his been tasked with fulfilling the role as premier until 24 September.
Simmers noted that he is honoured to serve, noting that he will be representing the province as acting premier at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2026.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a clear sense of duty. Over the coming days, my focus will be on ensuring continuity in government and continuing the work of delivering for the people of our province… Public office is ultimately about service — whatever the title and whatever the responsibility,” read Simmers’ post on social media.
In response to SmileFM’s query on Tuesday regarding Premier Alan Winde’s absence, the Office of the Premier advised that he is travelling to the US to “meet with key economic, trade, tourism and investment partners”.
“The USA is the biggest source of foreign direct investment in the Western Cape, creating thousands of jobs across the province. Ensuring sustained economic growth and job creation is at the centre of this trip,” said the Premier’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw.
This clarification was not public knowledge at the time of Simmers’ swearing-in, and prompted the provincial ANC’s Khaled Sayed to demand an explanation.
He said the people of the Western Cape should not have to speculate why the Premier will not be available during this time.
“The Constitution allows for an Acting Premier where the Premier is absent or unable to perform the functions of office. What it does not justify is silence from a government that constantly claims to champion transparency and accountability,” said Sayed.
Sayed demanded that Premier Winde provide more clarity on his absence “without delay”, and threatened to “use the mechanisms of the legislature” if the explanation is not satisfactory.
*This article has been updated and edited to include a comment from the Office of the Premier.
