Zwane says DA has no jurisdiction to ask if he'll resign
Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane told parliament the DA has no jurisdiction to ask him whether he will step down.
That's in response to an urgent question brought by the DA's David Maynier on the minister's earlier statement, that a judicial inquiry look into the decision by South Africa's major banks to stop doing business with the controversial Gupta family.
Zwane only had one answer to several questions and maintained that the decision to fire him can only be made by President Jacob Zuma.
"According to the separation of powers, this matter belongs to Cabinet. I have clearly indicated that on the said evening of Friday, which Maynier seems to be problematising, the issue of a judicial inquiry can only be decided upon by the president. That is what I said," Zwane said.
Members of Parliament were up in arms, when Speaker Baleka Mbete intervened, with DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen saying she did not allow Zwane to be held accountable.
"He has not answered the question. He is entitled to account to this House....you are trampling the Constitution again. Every time you go to court you get it handed to you there precisely because you do not listen...you are a disgrace as a Speaker," he said.