DA objects to extra ethics investigation
SPEAKER of Parliament Baleka Mbete has referred Minister of State Security David Mahlobo to the powers and privileges committee in response to an accusation that he was deliberately misleading in his comments on #FeesMustFall leader Mcebo Dlamini.
The Democratic Alliance objected to the move‚ claiming it was a bid to undermine an investigation that was referred to the public protector.
“I have made the Speaker aware of the fact that the DA has referred Mahlobo’s misconduct to the public protector‚ who is the only one who should investigate this matter in terms of law.
“Any attempt to have a parliamentary committee instead would undermine the public protector’s investigation and may help Mahlobo avoid accountability for violating the Executive Ethics Code‚” said John Steenhuisen‚ the DA’s Chief Whip.
In November 2016 Mahlobo‚ responding to an oral question from DA MP Belinda Bozzoli‚ stated that Dlamini had never been to his home.
“The meeting never took place. Mcebo Dlamini has not been in my house,” he said then.
His response contradicted a declaration he had made only two days prior‚ during a recorded panel discussion hosted by the Institute for Security Studies‚ when he said: “And I happen to know Mcebo [Dlamini].
“He has been to my house several times.”
But ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu dismissed the DA’s objection as “just politicking”.
“Definitely somebody needs to investigate the matter.
“The best placed body to do that is the ethics committee.”
“He [Mahlobo] is a member of parliament. Now they have complained to the Speaker and the Speaker correctly says here is the body of parliament that can look at such a matter,” said Mthembu.
DA MP Mike Waters referred the matter to the public protector on November 17 2016 for an urgent investigation into the breach of the Executive Ethics Code.
“We have since received confirmation from the public protector’s office that an investigation into Mahlobo’s misconduct is under way‚” Steenhuisen said.
“However‚ an extension has been sought as the minister is yet to respond to the allegations.
“We appeal to the Speaker to withdraw her referral of this matter to the powers and privileges committee.”