20 September 2020
The ANC Study Group on Defence received a briefing by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa – Nqakula on Friday evening 18th September 2020.
The Briefing by the Minister focused on the recent Working visit to Zimbabwe undertaken by Minister Mapisa – Nqakula to meet with her Zimbabwean counterpart to strengthen bilateral and military links between the two countries who are both members of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
The Minister also briefed the ANC Study Groups on the management of COVID – 19 funds by the Department of Defence following the release of the first in a series of reports by the Auditor General ( AG) in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’ s request for a real time audit on the management of expenditure on the Covid – 19 Relief Package.
Although the AG’s First Report for the period ending 31 July 2020 reflected substantive transgressions and flouting of PFMA regulations and the abuse of funds due to pre – existing deficiencies in the supply chain processes of Government which were amplified by the introduction of emergency procurement processes, the Study Group thus far did not find any glaring deficiencies within the Department of Defence for the period underway. The SG emphasised the need for DOD to ensure that empowerment of HDI, particularly youth, woman, veterans and people with disabilities during this period is prioritised.
The Minister has also indicated that the working visit to Zimbabwe is now a subject of investigation by the Public Protector and her Office is co-operating with the investigation. It is on that bases that the SG resolved that the chairperson of the PC on Defence should convene a PC meeting so that the minister can brief the PC taking into consideration the fact that the matter is investigated by the Public Protector.
We support the decision taken by the component of the NEC of the ANC to pay cost of their travel to Zimbabwe to conduct an important work in support of human right. We wish to abide by the democratic centralism of our beloved movement. On the same breath we wish to dismiss the call made by the DA that extra cost should be made to the ANC as if the jet was not on its was to Zimbabwe. The trip was already scheduled whether the ANC delegation was on board or not, the jet was on its way for ministers bilateral meeting.
The ANC Study Group warmly received the report and appreciated the role played by the SANDF in the fight against the COVID- 19 pandemic supporting police activities since they were employed by the Government to provide this support in terms of the Constitution.
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip : Hon. Pemmy Majodina
For more information; contact Whip of the ANC Study Group Thabo Mmutle on 082 525 4223 or
Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson on 067 415 1089
nkota@parliament.gov.za
Nomfanelok17@yahoo.com