Response to Democratic Alliance media statement by Home Affairs chairperson

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs met on 4 and 5 August 2009 at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island Museum because it could not secure venues at Parliament for the aforementioned dates. The cost incurred for the hire of the venue was R24 300 and not R41 800 as stated by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The statement by Ms J F Terreblanche of the Democratic Alliance that the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs spent R41 800 on this meeting is thus not based on fact (see here). It is also regrettable that Ms Terreblanche was absent from the meeting of the 4 August 2009 where the Department of Home Affairs and the Government Printing Works unit briefed the Portfolio Committee of their mandates and programmes.

Whilst it is important for MP's to make statements on a multiplicity of issues concerning Parliament, it is also important for them to carry out their core responsibility of attending Portfolio Committee meetings.

Statement issued by Parliament of South Africa, August 11 2009

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