Deputy President David Mabuza officially opening of the 5th South African (SA) TB Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. The four day conference aims to evaluate advances made in relation to the fight against the Tuberculosis (TB) disease in South Africa and to discuss new extensive programmes that will help address the identified challenges. [Photo: GCIS]
From Russia with love: ‘Sick leave’ and the ‘poisoning’ of Deputy President Mabuza
Spys say that Mabuza’s Russian stay is connected to a poisoning incident that took place three years ago. In 2015, he was flown to the “Kremlin Hospital” by way of a Gupta-owned jet.
Deputy President David Mabuza officially opening of the 5th South African (SA) TB Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. The four day conference aims to evaluate advances made in relation to the fight against the Tuberculosis (TB) disease in South Africa and to discuss new extensive programmes that will help address the identified challenges. [Photo: GCIS]
The Deputy President of South Africa, David Mabuza, is currently on ‘sick leave’ in Russia.
The reasons behind Mabuza’s lengthy Russian sojourn are shrouded in mystery. The Sunday Times has cited medical concerns as a reason for the deputy’s hasty retreat, while the official response from government denies that Mabuza is ill.
Where in the world is Deputy President David Mabuza?
Instead, the deputy’s spokesperson, Thami Ngwenya, confirmed that while Mabuza was indeed on ‘sick leave’ in Russia, he was not unwell, saying:
“At no point did our statement say the deputy president is ill, but rather says he is on sick leave. It would be mischievous to ask how ill is the deputy president when no such inference was made.”
The official response has done little to allay gossip and speculation regarding the deputy’s protracted departure. In fact, Ngwenya’s comments have caused more confusion. Why would Deputy President David Mabuza be on ‘sick leave’ if there is nothing wrong with him?
The Sunday Times, which claims to have insider information, has reported that Mabuza’s Russian stay is connected to a poisoning incident that took place three years ago. In 2015, he was flown to the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, also called the “Kremlin Hospital”, by way of a Gupta-owned jet.
Mabuza in Russia, misses vital parliamentary meetings
Government has denied this but has failed to reveal the reasons for Mabuza’s three-week disappearance, in which he missed vital parliamentary meetings.
John Steenhuisen, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, requesting clarity on Mabuza’s dereliction of duty. According to the opposition party, the deputy president, who has been booked off on ‘sick leave’ since 25 October, has been absent for most of the third Parliamentary term.
Steenhuisen has cited Mabuza’s absence as a cause for great concern, saying:
“Since it was announced that he would take sick leave on October 25, the Deputy President has not only missed his question-and-answer session but other important events such as the keynote address to the Chilean Parliament by National Council of Provinces Speaker, Thandi Modise.
What are citizens of the country meant to think when the man meant to step in for the President if he is out of the country or indisposed, is himself is so indisposed that he is clearly unable to manage the affairs of his own portfolio?”
In light of Mabuza’s mysterious Russian stay, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has become the de facto deputy president of South Africa.
Ngwenya has stated that Mabuza would return to South Africa, and to his duties as deputy president, in the coming week.
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