State capture cannot be stopped with just a talk shop

29 March 2016

The ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu’s statement yesterday suggesting that he and his caucus are only prepared to support a debate on state capture and the Guptas in principle is of no surprise to the DA.

Further it is a clear indication that, as suspected, the new Chief Whip is not interested in holding the ANC in government accountable and is prepared to reduce Parliament’s role and oversight in the ‘state capture saga’ to a mere talk shop in the National Assembly (NA).

Earlier this month DA Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, moved a motion in the NA requesting that the House establish an ad hoc committee to investigate revelations regarding the Gupta family and their illicit influence over the Presidency and Executive. The ANC however rejected this motion

An ad hoc committee could have investigated these allegations and is even empowered by both Section 56 of the Constitution and Chapter 5 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act to summon people to give evidence on oath or affirmation, or to produce documents. Further, it is possibly better placed than some of the other investigative bodies in play to make legislative proposals to prevent similar instances of corruption from occurring in future. 

The Gupta family's alleged grip on government business and tender processes has potentially blocked opportunities that should have been accessible to all South Africans. The DA will not allow this matter to diminish to a mere ‘pow wow’ in Parliament and will explore every available avenue to ensure a full parliamentary investigation takes place. 

Issued by John Steenhuisen, Chief Whip of the DA, 29 March 2016