The ANC in the Western Cape is now demanding that Premier Alan Winde disclose his full itinerary and who he will be meeting with in the US, noting that it has “no objection to international travel that genuinely advances the interests of the Western Cape”.

This was the party’s reaction after finding out that the Premier is visiting the US for engagements on trade, tourism, investment and economic growth.

This is after it came to light on Monday that the Western Cape Government’s Infrastructure MEC Tertius Simmers would be interim premier until 24 September.

Simmers shared his swearing-in ceremony on social media.

“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 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.

Now, with the knowledge of the Premier’s trip, Sayed noted that it comes after controversy over a previous trip Winde made to the US.

“Given the lack of proactive transparency around this trip, and the previous controversy surrounding the disclosure of sponsorship linked to the Premier’s 2024 Climate Week visit, the public is entitled to much greater clarity,” Sayed noted.

He added that because Premier Winde is going to a country whose tariff measures have placed pressure on South Africa, he must inform the public on whether he is meeting with trade and government decision-makers, whether the impact of tariffs is formally on the agenda, and what the outcomes are that he expects to secure.

“We therefore call on the Premier’s Office to disclose his full itinerary, the cities being visited, the people and organisations he is meeting, the delegation accompanying him, the full cost and funding arrangements, and the measurable economic outcomes expected from the trip. International travel must deliver more than photographs and meetings. Western Cape residents deserve transparency and tangible results,” said Sayed.

*This article has been updated and edited to include a comment from the Office of the Premier as well as additional comment from the ANC’s Khalid Sayed.