A distortion expressed in relation to the operations in Parliament is a serious concern, especially when they are unfounded. Never has the Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Robert Davies been summoned to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, either in this fifth or fourth term of Parliament.
This is according to Ms Joanmariae Fubbs, Chairperson of the Portfolio on Trade and Industry. Ms Fubbs says it is reprehensible that DA MP Dean Macpherson distorted information regarding Parliamentary processes in the media when he issued a media statement in respect of the proceedings during a meeting on the 31 July 2014. His statement was misleading.
According to Ms Fubbs, the Committee’s meeting on 31 July discussed the programme of the Committee in the second quarter wherein Mr Macpherson inquired whether his request for inviting the Minister to explain the economic impact around the issuing of Corporate Visas would be considered and incorporated into the committee programme. Mr Macpherson had written to the Chairperson on 25 July 2014 requesting the Minister to appear before the Committee to explain the Government Gazette of 15 July 2014 which limits the issue of corporate visas in certain categories in agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
The Chairperson advised the Member that the Committee would be discussing issues around trade and industry including regulatory issues. The Chairperson also said that the Minister was scheduled to be invited on two occasions during the second quarter to address these issues. When the Member pursued his request, the Chairperson pointed out that the Minister would respond broadly to all related issues impacting on the economy. However, the Member was reminded that all visa-related issues were the mandate of Home Affairs.
“As a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, I have never had the occasion to summon anyone. Furthermore, Minister Davies has always been exceptionally open transparent accountability and ready to listen and engage with all members of the committee,” stated the Chairperson.
She added: “This distortion from MP Macpherson not only echoed the Member’s economic approach to the truth but also reminded one that not so long ago as a Councillor in Durban North he advocated the strictest enforcement of the by-laws which banned informal sellers yet on the other protested his support for informal business”.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons Ms Ms Joanmariae Fubbs, please contact:
Rajaa Azzakani
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 082 560 9610
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
