The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal would like to emphatically reaffirm the austerity measures as announced by the Minister of Finance early this year. There is no contradiction between the austerity measures which are now government policy and complying with logistical arrangements that has been verified and approved by competent personnel who have taken all precautionary measures of safety of His Majesty, and feasible and cost-effective mode of transport. It is important to indicate that support staff responsible for the travel arrangements of government officials, including the Executive and His Majesty the King, do a thorough analysis and consider all security measures before deciding on which mode of transport to use.
An impression created by the screaming head-lines about the cost of the King’s flights is very unfortunate, especially from the honourable members of parliament who know the proper forum to raise such matters with the view to debate them. There is no justification whatsoever to the conduct of the honourable members who are hell bent on embarrassing His Majesty by leaking a parliamentary question to the media after getting an official response. This does not only show the total disregard of the parliamentary process by these members, but a total disrespect of His Majesty. Serious questions can be asked as to whose interests these members are advancing. But surely, it cannot be that of the tax payers, because the Legislature is made up the representatives of the people. The Legislature has processed this question and all relevant details provided as per parliamentary process. If more clarity is required, the Legislature is the best forum to further engage on this matter. As to how a legitimate question and a legitimate parliamentary response can be turn into cheap political point scoring by political parties, in the process, disrespecting His Majesty is mind boggling.
This leaves us with no other option except to conclude that these members who leaked this question were furthering their own narrow interests, abusing parliamentary process and embarrassing His Majesty. We remain confident that at an appropriate time, the Premier will be afforded an opportunity to engage on these questions in an appropriate forum (Legislature)
Enquires:
Sibusiso Magwaza
Cell: 063 253 1818
E-mail: Sibusiso.Magwaza@kznpremier.gov.za
