DTI ministers AWOL from Oral Questions
28 October 2014
The DA has been informed that the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, and his Deputy Minister, Mzwandile Masina, will not attend their oral question session in Parliament tomorrow, as both are out of the country. As of today there has been no written explanation for their absence, although from media reports it is clear that Minister Davies is in London and Deputy Minister Masina is in China.
I have written to Speaker Baleka Mbete to ensure that the absent Ministers are made to answer oral questions at the first opportunity after their return from overseas. The letter is available here. My colleague John Steenhuisen MP has also written to the Leader of Government Business, Cyril Ramaphosa, for a written explanation as to both Ministers' absence.
Given the number of important issues our economy faces at this stage, it is not acceptable for both Ministers to be absent for their oral question session. We would have liked to question the Ministers on the continuing collapse of service at the CIPC, the departure of several auto-component manufacturing companies from South Africa, reckless lending, and other important economic questions.
The parliamentary programme is planned long in advance, and attendance at oral questions sessions is not a luxury, it is a binding obligation.
Section 92(2) of the Constitution states that members of the Cabinet are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for the exercise of their powers, and the performance of their functions.
Oral questions to Cabinet Ministers are a vital component of ensuring accountability and oversight of the executive. The Minister and his deputy are both in dereliction of their obligation to account to Parliament.
It is clear that the Cabinet takes their cue from President Zuma - If he does will not show up for oral question sessions, why should Cabinet Ministers?
The DA will continue to ensure that those who occupy public office are held to nothing less than the Constitutional standards of accountability, responsiveness and openness.
Statement issued by Geordin Hill-Lewis MP, DA Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry, October 28 2014
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