Lindiwe Sisulu Zweli Mkhize Phala Phala

Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu and former Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize. Images via Twitter.

‘No backbone’: Lindiwe Sisulu and Zweli Mkhize MIA during vote on Phala Phala report

Lindiwe Sisulu and Zweli Mkhize have been accused of being cowards as they were MIA when Parliament voted on the Phala Phala report.

Lindiwe Sisulu Zweli Mkhize Phala Phala

Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu and former Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize. Images via Twitter.

Lindiwe Sisulu and Zweli Mkhize have been accused of being cowards after they were nowhere to be seen during the National Assembly debate on the Phala Phala report. 

The National Assembly met on Tuesday, 13 December, to debate and vote on whether or not the section 89 Independent Panel report on the Phala Phala farm saga should be adopted or not. 

LINDIWE SISULU AND ZWELI MKHIZE AWOL

Lindiwe Sisulu and Zweli Mkhize are both Presidential hopefuls who have been very critical of the ruling party and President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The two were not present when the National Assembly voted on the Section 89 Independent Panel report on Phala Phala. Sisulu is said to have walked out before her name was even called, which means there was no vote registered in her name. Mkhize resigned as Health Minister and an MP following the Digital Vibes scandal.

In total, 214 MPs voted against the adoption of the report, two abstained while 148 voted in favour.

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A number of South Africans have expressed their disappointment with the two saying they are only available for television interviews and not where it matters the most.

“Both Lindiwe Sisulu and Zweli Mkhize need to stay away from the leadership race. Both had a chance today and lead from the front but both disappeared when it mattered most! No backbone,” @Kussh_SA tweeted.

Earlier this year, Sisulu launched an attack on the country’s Constitution. 

Sisulu, a veteran of Parliament who has been at the helm of various portfolios for the last 28 years, chose to blame the judiciary and the legislative framework of the land for Mzansi’s problems rather than multiple government failures. 

ALSO READ: Phala Phala report: List of ANC MPs who voted with opposition