Ructions as Molefe sworn in as MP
THE appointment of Brian Molefe as an MP sparked ructions in Parliament yesterday with opposition members objecting to his presence.
However, the ANC and the Black Business Council hailed Molefe’s new deployment, saying the former Eskom chief executive was qualified for the job.
He was seen by Independent Media leaving Parliament after 8am, after he had been sworn in.
He later joined the sitting of the National Assembly where he was formally announced by Speaker Baleka Mbete.
EFF MP Marshall Mbatha hurled insults at Molefe after the announcement, leading to objections from ANC MPs who wanted Mbatha to withdraw his remarks.
Molefe sat quietly in the back benches of the chamber, watching proceedings.
EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu also raised an objection with Mbete regarding the manner in which Parliament had handled his nomination.
Shivambu said they had written Mbete a letter in which they questioned the process followed in announcing the nomination last Friday.
Letter
Mbete said she would deal with the EFF letter in her office.
ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu could not be reached last night.
DA MP David Maynier said Molefe’s appointment to Parliament or any finance portfolio was bad for South Africa due to the divisions in the ANC.
The ANC has not said where Molefe will be deployed in Parliament, despite the moving of finance committee member Makhosi Khoza to another committee.
Khoza was this week appointed chairperson of the portfolio committee on public service and administration.
She took over from Peace Mabe, who failed to get her seat back in the National Assembly after she lost the race to become mayor of Mogale City during August’s local government elections.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan refused to be drawn on his future or on Molefe’s arrival in Parliament.
He said that as a cabinet member he served at the pleasure of the president.
The BBC welcomed Molefe’s appointment, saying he would add value to the institution.
“The BBC believes that Mr Molefe, with his track record as a transformation activist, shall give his support to the BBC in its fight for radical economic transformation in the government and legislative frontlines,” it said.
It called on all South Africans to rally behind Molefe.
Earlier the Progressive Professionals Forum also backed Molefe’s appointment, saying he would contribute immensely to the business side of things.
It said Molefe has a proven track record, and had the qualifications to prove it.