EFF vows to disrupt legislature opening in Mpumalanga

MBOMBELA – The EFF has vowed to disrupt the premier’s State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the end of next month, if a special sitting in which he must face questions for oral reply is not scheduled before Sopa.

The premier, Mr David Mabuza was placed on two month’s sick leave from the beginning of September. He has not appeared in the house since his return to work in November.

The official opening of the Mpumalanga Legislature is scheduled for February 26. Mabuza will give his annual address.

But Mr Collen Sedibe, provincial EFF leader, said they will not allow him to speak, until he has answered their questions.
The legislature has also been in recess since December 4 and will reopen next month.

During Mabuza’s absence the EFF demanded he be replaced.

The party recently requested the Office of the Speaker to schedule a special sitting in which Mabuza can answer questions.

“We would like to put it categorically clear and on record that failure by your office to convene the special sitting, the EFF will be left with no option but to disallow the premier to address the Sopa before he replies to the oral questions asked by members (sic).”

Last week the Speaker, Ms Thandi Shongwe, said that the special sitting will be convened, but “the date for the special sitting will, however, be after the Sopa and taking the legislature to the people”.

Sedibe said pertinent questions to which the party seeks answers include land deals in Badplaas which occurred while Mabuza was MEC for agriculture, and millions going missing in the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency.

“We are going to write to them again. If they fail to convene, we won’t let him speak,” said Sedibe.
Shongwe’s office did not respond to a request for comment.