Opposition parties in the Northern Cape walked out of the provincial legislature in a protest against finance MEC John Block on Tuesday.
Provincial Democratic Alliance leader Andrew Louw said Block, who was also the ANC leader in the province, was not fit to present a government budget. The MEC was tabling the Northern Cape’s adjusted budget.
“The business of the day was however not interrupted by the walk-out,” speaker Boeboe van Wyk said.
He regretted the opposition’s behaviour on a bill dealing with service delivery.
ANC Chief Whip Kagiso Molusi said it was an impediment to service delivery.
Block faces corruption, fraud, racketeering and money-laundering charges.
Louw called on acting provincial premier Grizelda Cjiekella to remove Block and social development MEC Alvin Botes from their positions. Both were recently charged with corruption in connection with government leases awarded to a company called Trifecta.
Louw said Block could not be trusted with the province’s finances under the circumstances.
“The premier cannot make fools out of the public by allowing him to present this budget.”
Louw said the public was being expected to ignore a mountain of allegations involving the misuse of public funds.
“Questions must be raised as to why he was adjusting the budget.”
Louw said Cjiekella had to rise above the fact that the two men were her political seniors.
“She must act in the interests of the public and good governance.” - Sapa