20 August 2010, 19:08
Cabinet on Friday backed Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu's refusal to table, before a parliamentary committee, documents detailing morale and service conditions in the SA National Defence Force.
In a statement, government spokesman Themba Maseko said the Defence Force Service Commission Interim Report first had to be seen by Cabinet.
At its fortnightly meeting this week, Cabinet had "expressed its full support" for Sisulu on the matter.
"Firstly, she has not yet received the final report, and secondly, in terms of existing Cabinet convention, she is obliged to table the report to Cabinet first for consideration, before tabling it to Parliament," said Maseko.
"The Cabinet co-responsibility convention requires members of the executive to process reports and policy documents (including bills) through Cabinet prior to publishing and or tabling them in Parliament."
He said the convention sought to ensure that members of the executive remained collectively and individually accountable for decisions taken by Cabinet.
Sisulu was expected to table the final report to Cabinet "as soon as she receives it".
After due consideration by Cabinet, it would then be tabled in Parliament.
Sisulu's refusal to table the report before Parliament's defence committee has upset some MPs, who have called for her to be summoned before it.
They have forwarded complaints to Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, in his capacity as a leader of government business, and to parliamentary Speaker Max Sisulu. - Sapa
The Star
Comments by Sonny
Is this minister above parliament and the law?
She should hope not!
Why are the reports being delayed?
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