The Democratic Alliance has formally requested a debate in Parliament on the government’s proposed loan package to Zimbabwe, saying South African taxpayers need to be told why money may be made available for that country.
”A full explanation must also be given of what conditions would be attached to such a package, and what existing projects at home would have to forfeit their budgets in order to finance the loan,” DA foreign affairs spokesperson Douglas Gibson said in a statement on Thursday.
His party has asked Parliament’s programming committee to schedule a debate on the loan.
”In terms of the Constitution, Parliament must approve any financial agreement of this nature before it can become effective.”
Gibson said National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete told him last month she had written to Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel, asking him to address the House on the proposed loan and thus allow debate on the issue.
”It is now up to Minister Manuel to appear before Parliament as a matter of urgency. He is surely aware of the constitutional requirements relating to Parliament’s role in the proposed loan to Zimbabwe.
”I will submit a parliamentary question to Minister Manuel, asking him to explain where he will find the money to finance the loan package.
”I am also requesting the Deputy President [Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka] to inform Parliament as to whether or not the loan is subject to conditions,” he said.
Details surrounding the proposed financial bail-out for President Robert Mugabe have been hidden from the public since the first day the idea was mooted, Gibson said. — Sapa