How Ramaphosa dealt with Grace Mugabe’s issue

So, all I would say on this matter is that, there are two processes that are underway. There is a portfolio committee process and there is also the courts process. Even if we may think that the one may not be successful as the other, but certainly, the courts process through the exercise of the powers that our judiciary has, they will be able to deliver solution and end or judgement on this regard. We will then be able to know what should have happened.

So, I would say that, let us then leave it on that level, even as we’re insulting and say: “Shame on you, this and that.” In the end, it is the courts of our country that will make a determination. Thank you very much.

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members! Let us give the hon member an opportunity to put the question!

Mr M HLENGWA: Chairperson, let me say to Mr Deputy President that we should get real. Why is it that it must be courts all the time that must tell the ANC government what to do? Why do you fail to do the right thing for the South African citizens?

A dangerous precedent has been set with the issue of President Omar Al-Bashir, and the courts had to tell you that you are wrong. You then go and sacrifice a South African, Gabriella Engels, at the altar of expediency and allow Mrs Mugabe to leave the country, whilst leaving Gabriella wanting here in this country. When will you put the South Africans first?

You have sacrificed the human rights. Dalai Lama was refused a visa because you said that, you are protecting the diplomatic relations. When is it that the ANC government will take the side of that which is right when dealing with the issues of diplomacy? We cannot possibly, hon Deputy President, have a situation where a South African is left helpless because there is power on the other side of Mrs Mugabe. So, whilst you wait for the courts, I would like to hear your views.

Do you think that what has happened is correct, and provide the necessary leadership so that you can actually be a gleam of hope that there is somebody in the ANC benches who actually believes in human rights? This current prevailing situation is not in the interest of our Constitution, and most certainly, does no justice for Gabriella Engels. Thank you. [Applause.]

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Hlengwa, we do believe in human rights and we do believe in their exercise. You’ll also remember it was this side of the House that as early as 1912, that believed that South Africa should be a country that has human rights.

Throughout the years, you can go and study the Freedom Charter, the African’s Claims and the other entire documents ready to govern; you’ll find that this side of the House has always been strong on the issue of human rights. Now, on this matter, the Minister has taken a decision. The very good thing is that we have a Constitution that has a separation of powers, where we have the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

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