Parliament’s inquiry into Eskom, Transnet and Denel appears to be stuck in the starting blocks while Members of Parliament (MPs) seek assurances their probe will be well resourced.
Lawmakers have agreed to approach National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete to ask for funding for the inquiry.
The investigation will look into state capture claims involving the Guptas.
MPs agree they need a seasoned lawyer to lead evidence in the inquiry.
Inkatha Freedom Party MP Narend Singh says they can’t afford anything less, given the scope of the graft they are expected to investigate.
“I know three months ago I suggested in this committee that we need to get ducks in a row.”
Economic Freedom Fighters MP Floyd Shivambu proposed that parts of the inquiry be held behind closed doors to protect whistleblowers from being victimised or threatened.
“There’s no way they can avoid victimisation unless we say it’s a closed meeting. I think the rules of the National Assembly permits for that to happen.”
Of the four committees directed to probe state capture, the Public Enterprises portfolio is the only one that has started preparations.
Although there’s no start date, it’s become evident the inquiry might take longer than anticipated.
No comments:
Post a Comment