DA wants Zuma at Guptagate debate

144 Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Naledi Pandor, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Sbu Ndebele address the media during a press briefing in relation to the Gupta wedding saga. Presser held at GCIS offices in Pretoria. 030513. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

144 Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Naledi Pandor, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Sbu Ndebele address the media during a press briefing in relation to the Gupta wedding saga. Presser held at GCIS offices in Pretoria. 030513. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published May 10, 2013

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Johannesburg - Parliament will debate the Guptagate debacle after the government investigation reports back, and if the DA has its way, the president will join in.

Speaker of the National Assembly Max Sisulu granted the DA’s request for a snap debate on the controversial use of the Waterkloof Air Force Base by the Guptas’ guests.

“Your request for a debate is granted and the programme committee will be asked to identify an appropriate slot,” said Sisulu in his letter to DA MP Watty Watson.

On Thursday, the DA welcomed Sisulu’s decision and called for President Jacob Zuma to be there.

“We urge President Zuma to make himself available for this debate so that he can answer for his role in this saga. The Presidency can no longer remain silent on this matter of public importance,” said Watson.

Cope also called on the president to participate.

“We are pleased that finally the ANC realise the damaging effect as a result of the infamous relationship between President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family. Given the seriousness of this matter, we hope President Zuma will… attend the debate,” said Cope MP Mlindi Nhanha.

The presidency did not respond to queries on whether Zuma was likely to be there.

The office of ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga confirmed that the ANC had agreed to the debate on what it called a “matter of national importance”.

The party had proposed that the debate be during the week starting June 4, as Parliament is currently busy with the department budget vote debates, Motshekga said.

“The multiparty chief whip’s forum will consider the proposal regarding the scheduling at its next meeting and make a recommendation to the Speaker,” said Motshekga’s spokesman Moloto Mothapo.

“We cannot allow a situation whereby our ports of entry and national key points are penetrated with impunity.”

Last Friday, a joint briefing by ministers announced a multi-departmental investigation into the April 30 use of the base and an unofficial blue-light convoy for the group, and said this investigation would report within seven working days.

The ministers said no executive permission had been granted for use of the base.

“It would be useful to allow the investigation to run its course as the outcome of that process can only enrich a debate on the issues,” said Sisulu in his letter.

Mothapo also said the government investigation would be concluded by the proposed week of June 4.

“The degree of public outcry at the misappropriation of an air force base warrants a full and open debate on the matter in the National Assembly,” said Watson in his request to Sisulu.

There was an outcry across the political spectrum at the use of the base - a national key point.

“This is the first time since the second parliament (1999-2004) that the Speaker has granted a debate of public importance that the DA has requested,” Watson noted.

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The Star

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