MONDAY, 2.00PM:
SPORTS Minister Steve Tshwete said on Sunday that the constitutional “impasse” caused on Thursday when National Council of Provinces Chairman Patrick “Terror” Lekota refused to allow Finance Minister Trevor Manuel’s Adjustments Appropiation Bill to be debated after 10 Cabinet ministers failed to attend the sitting, was “resolved” after hours of top-level government deliberations at the weekend.
Lekota however, denied any knowledge of the meeting, saying he attended the Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour all day Saturday, and then went home. Tshwete, when asked how the issue was resolved, said he will release a statement on Monday.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress parliamentary caucus is expected to call for implementation of the party’s strict code of conduct and discipline after it was embarrassed by the absence of the ministers. ANC chief whip Max Sisulu said ministers and MPs guilty of ill-discipline will face strict disciplinary measures and possible dismissal from Parliament.