DA in Free State reacts to MEC’s ousting

By NEWSTEAM
18 February 2010

Following the ousting of the MEC for cooperative governance, traditional affairs and housing the Democratic Alliance in the Free State says it is disgraced by the incident.

The MEC was sent packing from a National Council of Provinces meeting.

Mosebenzi Zwane and his head of department Kopung Ralikontsane were sent to go and seek proof that the department is supporting municipalities that have been placed under administration.

DA leader Roy Jankielsohn says the MEC was criticised by MPs because he could not answer questions regarding infighting at certain municipalities, service delivery, unpaid employees and ghost workers.

Meanwhile on the national front, the DA in parliament has suspended its shadow minister on police Dianne Kohler Barnard for allegedly swearing at Deputy Speaker Nomindia Mfeketo.

The party’s Ian Davidson says bad behaviour by members of parliament will not be tolerated.

Kohler Barnard is accused of using the f-word Tuesday as DA and COPE MPs stormed out of the National Assembly.

This was in protest against COPE’s Mluleki George being evicted for refusing to withdraw a comment that “it appeared as if the country was led into lawlessness”.

Kohler Barnard's five day suspension resumed immediately on Tuesday.