The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have slammed what they call the “violent suppression of accountability” following the forced removal of their MP, Sihle Lonzi, from a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on higher education and training.
The clash unfolded when Lonzi questioned the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe — son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe — as chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) board.
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EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo did not hold back, saying: “This undemocratic act was not only unparliamentary in nature, but a violent suppression of accountability and a direct attack on the political rights of MPs to exercise oversight over the executive.”
EFF Slams Cadre Deployment and Political Patronage
Thambo defended Lonzi, asserting that his removal was solely due to his insistence on transparency and accountability.
“Let it be known that Lonzi’s only ‘crime’ was demanding accountability. His question directly addressed the politicisation, cadre deployment, and corruption that has become the defining feature of the ANC’s relationship with public institutions.”
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Beyond Buyambo Mantashe, other controversial appointments include former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube as chairperson of BANKSETA and Siboniso Mbhele, head of the KZN department of transport, as a TETA board member. According to Thambo, these appointments are evidence of growing political patronage within public institutions.
“These appointments, made by Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, are glaring examples of political patronage, where state institutions intended to empower youth and workers are turned into ANC deployment zones for loyal cadres and family members of the ruling elite,” he said.
EFF Vows to Defend Oversight and Accountability
The EFF is now calling out committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie, accusing him of shielding ANC leaders from scrutiny and undermining parliamentary integrity.
“The EFF will not tolerate the politicisation of parliamentary spaces. We reaffirm the right of our members to hold institutions accountable without fear or censorship,” said Thambo. “The violent removal of Lonzi is not just an attack on him, it is an attack on democracy and the people of South Africa.”
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