Gauteng legislature speaker Lindiwe Maseko decided that local government and housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi does not have to answer questions about his government credit card in the legislature, the DA said on Friday.
“The DA believes this is a flawed decision that buys time for Mmemezi, who should have answered the DA's questions relating to his apparent misspending on his government credit card,” said DA chief whip in the province, Glenda Steyn, in a statement.
She said the DA also wanted questions answered relating to an accident involving Mmemezi's official vehicle in KwaZulu-Natal last year.
Steyn said Mmemezi misled the legislature when he said the credit card matter was referred to integrity commissioner Ralph Mgijima, since Mmemezi only made a phone call instead of making a written submission, as required by legislature rules.
DA legislature member Fred Nel has made a submission to Mgijima concerning Mmemezi.
Steyn said enough was known about Mmemezi's alleged credit card spending, where he bought a R10 000 painting at a fast food restaurant in Pretoria, for him to resign or be fired.
ANC caucus spokeswoman Gugu Ndima said the process needed to be given time to “unfold”.
“At the ANC Caucus, we respect and uphold institutions such as the integrity commissioner and the office of the speaker,” said Ndima.
“We have indicated that we would allow the process to unfold. Let us also bear in mind the premier of Gauteng (Nomvula Mokonyane) has requested a report.”
She said the ANC urged political parties and the public to allow the process to unfold, and not be undermined, so informed decisions could be made going forward.
“We believe the speaker's decision was made based on what was in front of her. The issue should be arrived at its entirety. The MEC (Mmemezi) would have to account to the executive, being a member,” said Ndima. – Sapa