Parliament to address MPs safety

Those involved in Eskom inquiry at risk

Parliament says it is setting in motion processes to address the concerns and safety of those conducting the Eskom inquiry as well as the inviolability of the inquiry itself.

In a statement‚ parliament said it noted with “great concern” reports of threats made against several MPs and a staff member involved in the portfolio committee on public enterprises’ inquiry into governance at Eskom.

It said they included ANC MP Zukiswa Rantho‚ DA’s Natasha Mazzone and the committee’s evidence leader Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara.

“Parliament wishes to reassure the public that it is setting in motion certain processes to‚ among others‚ address the concerns and safety of those conducting the inquiry and the inviolability of the inquiry itself‚” the statement read.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lechesa Tsenoli said: “It is completely unacceptable to attack a member or an official of parliament for carrying out the legitimate work of a committee of the legislature. We fully support the members and officials of all parliamentary committees who are doing the work of parliament‚ as defined by the constitution.”

Meanwhile, the boardroom shenanigans at Eskom appear to be taking their toll on Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown‚ who yesterday excused herself from answering questions related to governance issues at Eskom and her alleged close relationship with the controversial Gupta family.

Her spokesman‚ Colin Cruywagen‚ confirmed that Brown excused herself from the session due to illness‚ but declined to comment further.