The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Parliamentary Ethics Complaint against Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni MP, after she allegedly blocked DA MPs from conducting an oversight visit to the Directorate for Conventional Arms Control (DCAC).
The visit, led by DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell MP, alongside Chris Hattingh MP, was in response to concerns raised in the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). Industry stakeholders had flagged delays in permit approvals and other administrative failures, which are stalling an industry worth billions.
However, upon their arrival, Acting DCAC Director Peter Mashaba, following telephonic instructions from Minister Ntshavheni—denied them access. This was further reinforced by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), who insisted that written authorisation was required, despite MPs having the right to conduct such visits as public representatives.
Gotsell condemned the move, stating: “While the Minister of Defence constantly blames SANDF failures on budget constraints, it is telling that Army officials are more focused on evading public scrutiny rather than expediting arms export permits that could boost South Africa’s economy. Our Army is in dire need of revenue but is asleep at the wheel.”
The DA has vowed to hold Minister Ntshavheni and senior SANDF officials accountable for what they see as an abuse of power and an attempt to shield the department from parliamentary oversight.
