In a dramatic exchange during the budget vote for the Department of Human Settlements, Minister Thembi Simelane fiercely defended herself against personal attacks from the Democratic Alliance (DA), characterising them as a public trial devoid of formal charges. The statements come amidst increasing tensions between the ruling ANC and the opposition party over allegations of corruption and governance failures.
Simelane’s comments were in direct response to DA claims that an investigation into her was underway regarding an alleged theft exceeding R700,000 through fraudulent billing while working at Vitrovian, a private firm. She made it clear that the nature of the DA’s complaints resonated with the notion that they were attempting to degrade the invaluable work she was executing as a minister.
“You are trying me in public because you think this is the only way to degrade the work I am doing,” she stated emphatically, drawing parallels to how one stands before a judge when officially charged.
The DA’s accusations were compounded by remarks from its members who painted a bleak picture of the governance within the Department of Human Settlements. DA MP Luyolo Mphithi articulated concerns over what he described as a governance collapse afflicting various housing entities, mentioning previous allegations against Simelane, including a significant loan linked to the illicit investments of municipal funds into the disgraced VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as the mayor of Polokwane Municipality.
“It seems that the president does not at all take issue with the fact that a person accused of corruption sits in his Cabinet and will have to look after the budget with R30 billion set aside for South Africans,” Mphithi asserted, reflecting on the broader implications of corruption allegations within the government’s ranks.
This line of attack was fuelled further when DA member Conrad Poole urged for accountability, stating, “When Simelane was accused, she should be in the dock before a judge and not be an MP entrusted with R33 billion of taxpayer funds.” Such sentiments encapsulated a growing impatience within the opposition regarding perceived inaction on serious allegations.
In her defence, Simelane did not shy away from addressing the DA’s involvement in civil issues, pointing out Msebenzi Radebe’s alleged murder of her sister and the DA’s failure to act swiftly on this matter. “So good, you can find the nearest door to the police station. Where it matters, you don’t even know where the door is,” she retorted, further illustrating the politicisation of various issues at play.
As the heated debate unfolded, ANC MP Albert Seabi rallied support for Simelane, imploring her not to be swayed by the tumultuous noise surrounding her. “You have our support minister because of your strong work ethic, your dedication, your diligence, and your consistent commitment to transparency, accountability, and transforming the sector,” he remarked.
Discontent was not monopolised by the DA; other opposition parties also voiced their concerns regarding the budget. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused the budget plan of lacking substance, while ActionSA critiqued it for failing to meet the needs of millions still awaiting adequate housing.
Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana lamented the focus on personal attacks over substantive budget discussions. “I will debate the budget and resist the temptation to debate or play the woman,” he declared, reflecting the need for a shift towards more productive dialogue.
As the Department of Human Settlements grapples with its challenges, the escalating political feud underscores a complicated landscape where personal convictions, allegations of corruption, and the critical needs of citizens collide.
