Tebogo Msimanga |
National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has declined a request by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) John Steenhuisen, to set up an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm.
Steenhuisen wrote to the Speaker requesting that she establish the Committee in terms of National Assembly Rule 253(1)(b) – which allows for the establishment of such a committee.
Parliament Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said Mapisa- Nqakula declined the request arguing that Rule 253 sets out requirements for the establishment of an Ad hoc Committee, and one of them is the performance of a specific task.
“While the request proposes a committee on Phala Phala, it goes on to list various distinct tasks for investigation. In the nature of the proposed investigation, this is understandable. However, some of the tasks proposed are arguably, still within the purview of other entities or institutions, including law enforcement, and may indeed necessitate Parliament’s attention in due course”.
Mothapo added that the Speaker has also declined the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) motion submitted in accordance with the National Assembly Rule 129A to seek the removal of the President in terms of section 89 of the Constitution.
It is alleged that R61 million was found in President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpop. For now, relevant officials are not saying a word regarding this disturbing issue.
