5 September 2016 

I have, today, submitted a request to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to put an urgent question to the Minister of Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane, concerning his controversial statement recommending a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the termination of certain financial institutions contractual relationships with Oakbay Investments (Pty) Ltd. 

The urgent question was submitted in terms of National Assembly Rule 141(1)(a) and reads as follows: 

Whether, in the light of his controversial statement, dated 01 September 2016, concerning his recommendation that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry be established to investigate the termination of contractual relationships by certain financial institutions with Oakbay Investments (Pty) Ltd, the Minister will resign; if so, when; if not, why not?

If the urgent question is agreed to, the Minister will be put on the political spot and required to reply on Wednesday 07 September 2016 in Parliament.

The Guptas should never have been allowed to hijack the Executive to carry out an investigation on their behalf into financial institutions, National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank.

The Minister should resign, and if he fails to do so, his head should be put on a chopping block and the axe should be allowed to fall without delay.

Issued by David Maynier, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, 5 September 2016