Deputy earns R1m on long ‘sick leave’

THERE is no sign of National Freedom Party leader and Science and Technology Deputy Minister Zanele kaMagwazaMsibi returning to parliament — eight months after she fell ill.

She has earned more than R1-million in that time.

KaMagwaza-Msibi has not been seen in public since November, but her party remains optimistic she will make a comeback when parliament reconvenes in a few weeks.

Her family and party have not officially disclosed her illness, but she is reported to have had a stroke.

Lunga Ngqengelele, spokesman for Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, said that as far as the department was concerned, KaMagwaza-Msibi was still the deputy minister.

“We have no idea [when she’s coming back]. All I know is that she is on sick leave.”

Her absence would not necessarily increase Pandor’s workload. “If the deputy was around, it would help a lot. But the minister’s work is continuing,” he said.

The Presidency also confirmed KaMagwaza-Msibi “remains the deputy minister”.

The NFP leader’s husband, Mandla Msibi, said: “All I can tell you is that she’s much better and me and the family are happy with her progress. I cannot say . . . when she will be back at work because that depends entirely on the doctors, but she will be back soon.”

Party secretary-general and MP Nhlanhla Khubisa said his JUST TIRED? NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi leader’s absence was not affecting the performance of the NFP in parliament.

“We are very optimistic that she will be back to work as soon as possible. The doctors said they would give a green light when she’s ready, but they’ve indicated that it won’t be far away from now. We cannot say exactly when, but as soon as possible,” said Khubisa.

The party had indicated before that she was “tired after a gruesome election campaign”.

“She was very tired. You know, she’s a workaholic by nature,” Khubisa said.

The handbook for members of the executive and presiding officers says they may take annual, vacation, maternity, sick and other leave, “as may be necessary”, after consulting the president, premier or leader of government business.

The new policy on MPs’ attendance and leave was adopted in March last year, but the National Assembly rules have to be finalised before the policy can be implemented.