Minister of Fisheries can't take the heat

This morning, Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson addressed the Cape Town Press Club. 

It is not often that the Minister engages with the media or the public and, as a member of the Press Club, I was looking forward to attending the Minister's briefing. 

But when Minister Joemat-Pettersson realised I was there, she refused to continue with her address unless I left the premises. 

Not wanting to deny the audience the opportunity to engage with the Minister, I duly did so. 

The Minister's conduct at this morning's event was unacceptable.  It indicates a disregard for basic principles on which our democracy is based, such as accountable and responsive governance. The Minister allowed her personal sentiments to interfere with her ability to perform her job.  

If Minister Joemat-Pettersson can't take the heat, she needs get out of the kitchen.

During the debate on the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries budget vote in Parliament yesterday, I called on the Minister to resign given her questionable performance over the last three years and the poor state of her Department. 

Following her irrational conduct this morning, I am even more resolute in my belief that the Minister is unfit to hold public office. 

Statement issued by Pieter van Dalen MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, May 4 2012

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