DRC PEACE TALKS @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the appointment of former President Kgalema Motlanthe to the panel of facilitators for peace talks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His inclusion, alongside distinguished African leaders such as former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, underscores the continent’s commitment to finding African solutions to African challenges. 

The ANC commends the efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) in advancing a comprehensive approach—spanning immediate, medium, and long-term measures—to achieve lasting peace in the DRC. 

We further acknowledge the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who represented South Africa in the critical discussions led by SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his EAC counterpart, President William Ruto. 

The ANC urges all parties to the conflict to engage in good faith and commit to a sustainable ceasefire and a negotiated settlement that prioritizes peace, stability, and the well-being of the Congolese people. We remain deeply concerned about the continued violence, particularly the activities of armed groups that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. 

The ANC calls on the international community to support regional peace initiatives and to hold accountable those who fuel instability for their own interests. As a movement committed to Pan-Africanism and solidarity, the ANC reaffirms its belief that peace in the DRC is essential for regional integration, economic development, and the realization of Africa’s potential. This intervention aligns with our vision of a Better Africa, Better World, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. 

The ANC will continue to support diplomatic and political efforts aimed at securing peace and stability on the continent, ensuring that the aspirations of the people of the DRC and Africa at large for peace, security, and prosperity are realized. 

SMALL NYANA QUESTIONS @KASIBCNEWS

 

SMALL NYANA QUESTIONS @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with serious concern the latest report by Parliament on the status of outstanding replies to question by Ministers. This report details the number of questions not replied to by Ministers within the prescribed 10day period as set by the Rules of Parliament. 

As per the provisions of Rule 145 (5) of the Rules of the National Assembly, Ministers are obliged to reply to questions submitted by Members of Parliament for written reply within 10 days of the publication of such questions. 

The rule also permits Ministers to request extension of this period to the Speaker, if for some reason they are not able to abide by the rule. The recent report released by Parliament indicates that of the 783 questions submitted, whose replies were due on the 20th of March 2025, about 222 questions have no replies submitted by Ministers. It is clear then that some Ministers have no regard for the oversight role played by Parliament, and for the importance of answering questions in response to a variety of issues raised by ordinary people through Members of Parliament. 

The Minister of Agriculture for instance, John Steenhuisen, was asked 17 questions during this period, however he has only replied to 6, and 11 questions have not been answered. 

He has provided no reason for this delay, nor has he requested an extension from the Speaker. In the few questions that he replied to, he has tendered pure lies in some of them.  

For example, EFF Member of Parliament Mothusi Montwedi asked Steenhuisen for the reasons he continued using his DA email address to conduct official work of government. Steenhuisen simply lied and denied his use of this email address even though there is evidence of him doing so.

Another culprit is Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, who received a total of 30 questions, and who has failed to provide replies to about half of those questions. Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber was asked 27 questions, and he has not replied to 18 of those questions. The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has not replied to 47 of the 74 questions he was asked. 

Similarly, the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe has not responded to 17 of the 24 questions she was asked. These are just a few of the recalcitrant Ministers we have in government, who have no regard whatsoever for the people of this country and for Parliament as an institution. They are able to spit on our Constitution in this way because they know there is no central authority holding all of them accountable. 

The Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Mashatile, who on paper is meant to keep Ministers on the leash in terms of their relations with Parliament, is himself toothless and has no powers to call these Ministers to order. 

The EFF will continue to robustly engage in Parliament to hold these Ministers to account. 

We do not only want them to reply to questions, we want them to reply honestly, and it is this demand for honesty that previously obliged us to report Minister Angie Motshekga to the Parliament Ethics Committee for lying. 

We will equally do the same for each of these Ministers. In the meantime, we will demand action from the Leader of Government Business, and we will continue asking critical questions to these Ministers.