Opposition slams sacking of portfolio committee head Khoza

OPPOSITION parties have criticised the ANC for removing outspoken MP Makhosi Khoza as chairwoman of parliament’s portfolio committee on public service and administration.

Khoza’s daughter‚ Zama, posted on Facebook shortly afterwards: “So if you hit women the ANC doesn’t remove you‚ but if you speak out about corruption you get removed. The ANC needs serious therapy.”

Khoza‚ who has clashed with party leaders and criticised President Jacob Zuma‚ faced an open revolt in parliament on Wednesday from party members.

Yesterday‚ the party fired her from her role as committee chairwoman‚ citing a breakdown of trust between her and the party.

She will‚ however‚ remain a member of parliament.

ANC national communications manager Khusela Sangoni said Khoza’s removal was based on reports of an acrimonious relationship that had developed between her and members of the committee “and this is both before and in the period leading up to the motion of no confidence” in Zuma last week.

Regina Lesoma‚ the ANC whip in the public service portfolio committee and one of the five MPs who wrote to ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu to express their loss of confidence in Khoza‚ will act as the interim committee chairwoman until a full-time replacement is identified.

Khoza and MPs Mathole Motshekga‚ Pravin Gordhan‚ Mondli Gungubele and Derek Hanekom were among those who had previously said they would vote according to their conscience in last week’s vote of no confidence.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said Khoza’s removal was a sign of the ANC imploding.

He was not surprised by the move because the party had long shown intentions to act against those willing to fight the rot from within.

The DA’s parliamentary chief whip‚ John Steenhuisen‚ said Khoza’s removal had been fuelled by the ANC’s continued infighting and the decision would have a huge impact in the running of parliament. “Khoza’s removal shows that the ANC will do anything in its power to remove those that hold the executive accountable,” he said. “Khoza did her job exceptionally well.” EFF leader Julius Malema tweeted: “The coward Gwede Mantashe removed Khoza . . . The pig eating its own children‚ finish and klaar.”

Khoza could not be reached for comment.