MPs call on Minister Motshekga to account on SANDF withdrawal from DRC
A member of the defence portfolio committee said they’re still waiting to be briefed by Motshekga, on the DRC withdrawal, which according to reports is suffering from logistical delays and food shortages.
Defence minister Angie Motshekga before Parliament's Standing Committee on Accounts. Picture: Zwelethemba Kostile/Parliament
CAPE TOWN - While the defence force says the withdrawal of troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is going according to plan, Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling on Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to account before Parliament.
A member of the defence portfolio committee said they’re still waiting to be briefed by Motshekga on the DRC withdrawal, which, according to reports, is suffering from logistical delays and food shortages.
But the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said in a statement on Monday that the logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the "full coordination and control" of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
A report by City Press has questioned the pace of the DRC mission, claiming that SADC failed to hire enough buses due to a lack of funds.
But the SANDF has again assured the public that the withdrawal of the SADC mission in the DRC contingent is proceeding according to plan.
Defence committee member Chris Hattingh said the conflicting reports are exactly why Motshekga should appear and account for the withdrawal.
"The minister is not appearing in parliament when she should be there, she at the base, she’s not in the portfolio committee and again she’s in China. I have the feeling that this her absence has become an embarrassment for the African National Congress (ANC) as well."
Hattingh said he's requested the meeting, but the defence committee chairperson and SANDF are yet to confirm the sit-down with Motshekga.