'I don't tweet for fun' – Mbalula hits back amid tensions over festive season stats

Mbalula briefed MPs on the fatalities on the country’s roads over the festive season.

But the minister and his department were taken to task for not providing the committee with the statistics before the annual media briefing.

"The department and the minister don't take us seriously because of most of their statistics and programs we just see it on Twitter or paper, but nothing is sent to us as a committee. That is my concern," said Inkatha Freedom Party MP Khethamabala Sithole.

Mbalula did not take kindly to the comment by Sithole.

"I honestly think it is unfair, I must never be accused of disrespecting Parliament. I don't take it kindly because I go out of my way.

“I have never absconded from this Parliament, you can disagree with my methods, but I cannot be accused of disrespecting Parliament. I don't just tweet statistics on Twitter because I am having fun," said Mbalula.

He says the department is more than willing to provide the committee with statistics during the first sitting of the year.

Mbalula said the habit of releasing statistics before Parliament starts its work for the year was established before his appointment as minister.

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