Get to Know Hildegard Sonja Boshoff

What is your political background? How did you come to join your political party and become an MP?

My political journey began with a deep commitment to accountability, good governance, and economic reform. I was drawn to the Democratic Alliance (DA) because of its focus on building a capable state, fighting corruption, and ensuring economic opportunities for all South Africans. Over the years, I have worked in various leadership roles, advocating for economic development, job creation, and government accountability. Through consistent engagement with communities, policy work, and my role in legislative oversight, I was honoured to be elected as a Member of Parliament.

What does your job as an MP entail? What impact do you hope to have?

As an MP and Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, my work involves oversight, policymaking, and constituency engagement. I focus on ensuring that government departments and agencies execute their mandates efficiently, particularly regarding economic policy, trade, and job creation.

My impact goals include:

Driving economic policy reforms that promote investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Strengthening oversight over economic and trade-related government portfolios to ensure transparency and accountability.

Enhancing parliamentary engagement with businesses, workers, and civil society to create policies that reflect the needs of all South Africans.

What are your thoughts on the Government of National Unity (GNU) for the Seventh Parliament?

The GNU presents both opportunities and challenges. While coalition governance is complex, it also provides a chance for parties to work together in the national interest. The DA has always advocated for transparent, accountable, and service-driven governance, and our participation in the GNU is guided by these principles.

The success of the GNU will depend upon ensuring policy stability to attract investment and drive economic growth to ensure there is sufficient job creation. We must ensure that checks and balances are maintained to prevent inefficiencies and corruption.

Last but not least, delivering real change in service delivery and governance rather than settling for political compromises that do not benefit South Africans.

The DA is committed to ensuring that the GNU remains effective, accountable, and focused on the needs of the people, rather than political survival.

What can be done to get citizens more interested/involved in Parliament?

Public engagement with Parliament is critical for democracy. To increase interest and involvement, we need greater transparency and this can be done by making parliamentary proceedings more accessible through digital platforms and meaningful community outreaches.

We must strive towards more effective civic education through teaching citizens how Parliament works and how they can hold leaders accountable.

Active constituency work ensuring MP's are consistently engaging with their communities, not just during election seasons.

Public-driven policy development and creating more avenues for citizens to participate in drafting legislation.

As an MP, I encourage open dialogue, town halls, and direct engagement with South Africans to make Parliament more relevant to their daily lives.

Which Constituency Office/area have you been assigned to? Can you give examples of Constituency work you engaged in or plan to do?

My assigned constituency, Thaba Chweu, is a vital part of my work as an MP. While my legislative focus is on economic development and trade, my constituency work centre's around service delivery, job creation,economic empowerment and to grow the DA's voter base. Some of the examples will be, assisting small businesses in accessing government support and reducing red tape.

Facilitating community forums where residents can directly raise service delivery concerns. Partnering with stakeholders to promote local job creation initiatives. Engaging with youth organizations to provide skills development and employment opportunity programmes.

My goal is to connect national policy discussions to the everyday realities of South Africans.

What will you and your party be focusing on during your term? (Will you introduce legislation, will your oversight focus on any specific area, etc.?)

The DA's participation in the GNU is guided by our core principles of economic growth, good governance, and service delivery. Our legislative and oversight focus will include:

Economic reforms to promote investment and job creation.

Strengthening oversight on key economic portfolios such as trade, industry, and competition.

Legislation to improve governance efficiency, reduce corruption, and enhance service delivery.

Policy initiatives to address unemployment, particularly among young South Africans.

As Chairperson of the Economic Development and Trade Select Committee, I will push for pro-business policies, investment-friendly regulations, and accountability in economic governance.

What are you passionate about? This applies both in the political/professional arena and personally.

Professionally, I am passionate about economic development, governance reform, and job creation. South Africa's economy has immense potential, and I believe that the right policies can unlock growth, reduce unemployment, and create sustainable opportunities for all citizens.

Personally, I am deeply committed to community development and leadership empowerment, particularly for young people and women. I believe that inclusive economic participation is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. Outside politics, I enjoy outdoor activities, mentorship programs, and engaging with communities to understand their challenges and aspirations and to spread the word of hope as many South African's are disillusioned with the current state of affairs.

What is your message to South Africa?

South Africa stands at a critical juncture, and the choices we make now will determine our future. The Government of National Unity is a new chapter in our democracy, and while it presents challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity to work together for progress.

Citizens must remain engaged about what is happening on the political front and by staying engaged, as democracy works best when citizens hold leaders accountable. Citizens must push for results. Politicians must be measured by action, not words. Citizens must believe in change. With the right policies and leadership, South Africa can achieve inclusive economic growth and prosperity.

As a member of the DA, my commitment remains firm, to serve, to lead, and to fight for a better future for all South Africans.

To learn more about this Member, visit her profile here:

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