By Johnathan Paoli
The Economic Freedom Fighters has issued a scathing rebuke of the executive, condemning ministers for their blatant disregard of parliamentary rules requiring them to answer written questions within 10 working days.
EFF spokesperson Thembi Msane called on Deputy President Paul Mashatile to fulfill his duty as the leader of government business and ensure ministers were held accountable for their failures.
“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 MPs,” Msane said.
According to a report released by Parliament, of the 783 questions that required responses by 20 March, 222 remain unanswered.
Msane stressed on Tuesday that this widespread non-compliance has raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the government’s commitment to upholding democratic oversight.
Several ministers have been singled out as the worst offenders, with some failing to answer more than half the questions directed at them.
Among the most egregious cases is Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was asked 74 questions but failed to reply to 47.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana ignored 15 of 30 questions and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber left 18 of his 27 questions unanswered.
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe was asked 24 questions but failed to respond to 17, while Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen replied to only six of the 17 questions he received.
Msane said that what was particularly concerning about Steenhuisen’s case was that he has not provided any explanation for his non-compliance nor sought an extension from the Speaker as permitted under parliamentary rules.
The EFF has also accused Steenhuisen of outright dishonesty.
According to Msane, EFF MP Mothusi Montwedi questioned Steenhuisen about his continued use of his Democratic Alliance email address for official government business.
In response, Steenhuisen allegedly denied using this email for government matters.
The EFF has not only condemned individual ministers but has also taken aim at Mashatile, accusing him of being ineffective in enforcing parliamentary accountability.
Mashatile is responsible for ensuring that ministers comply with parliamentary rules and maintain proper engagement with the National Assembly.
“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,” Msane said in a statement.
The party warned that unless Mashatile acted decisively, ministers would continue to ignore their responsibilities, eroding public trust in the government’s ability to function effectively.
The issue of ministers failing to answer parliamentary questions is nothing new. Last year Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni did not answer 18 questions, former defence minister Thandi Modise 17, and former public works and infrastructure minister Sihle Zikalala 17.
The problem is so entrenched that even after repeated warnings and interventions, non-compliance remains rampant.
Late last year, Mashatile himself issued an ultimatum to ministers to address their outstanding questions, but many have continued to ignore their obligations.
To curb this growing trend, Parliament has considered imposing stricter measures, including financial penalties and public reprimands.
Some opposition parties, including the DA, have proposed docking a portion of ministers’ salaries if they fail to comply with parliamentary rules.
The EFF, for its part, has vowed to take a firm stand, not just by demanding responses but also by holding ministers accountable for the accuracy of their answers.
The party has already reported Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee for allegedly lying in her responses.
It now warns that it will take similar action against other ministers found to be dishonest.
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