Scopa ‘not swayed by politics’ as committee reaffirms ‘seriousness’ of Ramaphosa allegations
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) says it refuses to be drawn into political battles following a series of what it calls ‘baseless speculations’ on the precautionary suspension of ANC MP Mervyn Dirks.
Dirks was suspended on Thursday by the party’s parliamentary caucus over what is believed to be a spat over criticism against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The matter relates to a clip of Ramaphosa that made the rounds on social media last year where he can be heard allegedly admitting to being aware of public funds being used for political campaigns in the build-up to the Nasrec elective conference in 2017.
In a letter, Dirks urged Scopa to call Ramaphosa to account for the damning utterances.
The ANC Parliamentary caucus slapped Dirk on the wrist for his “unbecoming conduct”.
Scopa chairperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirms the committee had already begun to investigate Dirks’ plea when the news of his suspension broke.
“When the news of Mr Dirks’ letter broke in January it was not news to us, and precisely for this reason it was deemed prudent to not throw the committee into the fray of the media campaign on this matter as it had quickly become a deliberate subject of speculation and assumption and politicking expressly devoid of basic understanding of Parliamentary processes.
"Consistent with our established practice as the committee, that wherein a Member of Parliament petitions the committee on a matter related to public accounts in any material aspect, the committee affords that Member an opportunity to address the committee to enable it to make an informed decision on the way forward,” Hlengwa adds.
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While Dirks’ suspension by the party prohibits his participation in Scopa activities, the committee is expected to meet with the MP on Tuesday to hear his representations.
“The committee does not draw into party political activities and/or factions and therefore due regard is given to avoid polarizing the committee whose work, whilst is in the political space, it must rise above party political divides and pay particular attention to the Rules of the National Assembly, the Constitution and applicable legislation to our work.
“The matter brought before me by Mr Dirks, and being processed towards the committee, does fall within the ambit of matters which deserve our attention,” says Hlengwa.
“The reported suspension of Mr Dirks has no material bearing on the matter at this point because the committee reserves the right to invite or summons any person to appear before it to provide information, evidence, or representation,” he adds.
Hlengwa says the committee will continue with its work, outside of political influence.
“The matter is now a subject of parliamentary process, and the committee is seized with it and will take decisions it deems fit, necessary, and appropriate.
“The burden of responsibility that saddles the committee is one of due process to ensure parliamentary oversight and accountability. Notwithstanding the associated politics the committee will, as it currently does, conduct its work with integrity and comply with the rules of Parliament,” Hlengwa reaffirms.
