As “the witch-hunt against sitting Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has dominated public debate over the past 48 hours”‚ Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane called on Thursday “for a debate of public importance” in Parliament.
He said he had submitted an urgent request for this to the Speaker of the National Assembly‚ Baleka Mbete‚ whom‚ he added‚ “is authorised to allow” it.
This‚ Maimane said‚ would allow the house to “debate what can only be described as (President Jacob) Zuma single-handedly attempting to capture the National Treasury”.
“Over the last 48 hours‚ this matter has been fast-tracked‚ with minister Gordhan being requested to appear before the Hawks — suggesting he may face possible charges and subsequent arrest in connection with allegations relating to the SA revenue Service ‘rogue unit’‚” he said.
Maimane said he hoped Mbete “will deal with this pertinent issue with the due regard it deserves‚ and accede to our request”.
“The clear danger is that‚ if Parliament fails in its obligation to hold members of the executive to account‚ it would be derelict in its constitutional duty.
“Therefore‚ this is a critical debate and I would request that it be scheduled urgently.” – Tiso Black Star Group Digital
Maimane calls for urgent Parliamentary debate over Gordhan ‘witch-hunt’
He said he had submitted an urgent request for this to the Speaker of the National Assembly‚ Baleka Mbete‚ whom‚ he added‚ “is authorised to allow” it.
This‚ Maimane said‚ would allow the house to “debate what can only be described as (President Jacob) Zuma single-handedly attempting to capture the National Treasury”.
“Over the last 48 hours‚ this matter has been fast-tracked‚ with minister Gordhan being requested to appear before the Hawks — suggesting he may face possible charges and subsequent arrest in connection with allegations relating to the SA revenue Service ‘rogue unit’‚” he said.
Maimane said he hoped Mbete “will deal with this pertinent issue with the due regard it deserves‚ and accede to our request”.
“The clear danger is that‚ if Parliament fails in its obligation to hold members of the executive to account‚ it would be derelict in its constitutional duty.
“Therefore‚ this is a critical debate and I would request that it be scheduled urgently.” – Tiso Black Star Group Digital
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