Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:
SUZANNE VOS MP
Member PC on Communications

20 September 2007

The IFP does not know Ms Gloria Serobe other than interaction during her interview in the Portfolio Committee on Communications. 

Our call for Parliament to appoint a committee to conduct a preliminary investigation into whether she wilfully furnished the Portfolio Committee on Communications with false or misleading information has nothing to do with her personally. 

The issue is one of Parliamentary oversight and accountability.  It is the duty of MPs and Parliament to adhere at all times to our constitutional mandate and to the laws of the Republic without fear or favour.  

The IFP furthermore believes that MPs "cannot afford to serve as rubber stamps for executive decisions" (Quote:  "A STUDY ON ENHANCING THE STATUS, ROLE AND POSITIONING OF THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA" - Commissioned by Parliament and conducted by Prof. Shadrack Gutto, Team Leader, April 2007). 

MPs are elected to represent the citizens of the Republic of South Africa and it is incumbent upon us to take the lead if and when we have any reason to believe that any Parliamentary process may have been compromised in any way. 

We are all accountable - including Ms Serobe - and there are clearly defined "accountability concepts". 

It is clear that accountability is a foundation of democratic governance.

All we have proposed is that Parliament exercises its powers in terms of the Rules of Parliament and to report back to Parliament.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470