DA issues ‘missing person alert’ – for Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel

It’s as petty as all hell, but do you know what, we’ve always got time for shade like this: The DA has decided to up the ante in its criticism of Ebrahim Patel, after the Trade Minister failed to visit KZN following a devastating outbreak of riots.

Where is Ebrahim Patel? Faux ‘missing person alert’ issued

Dean Macpherson, a shadow minister for Patel’s department, posted a tongue-in-cheek ‘missing person alert’ for the ANC stalwart, lamenting the fact that he has still not responded to the DA’s request for engagement in the province. In the mocked-up poster, the DA representative even offers a reward for ‘information that can lead to Patel doing his job’.

“Since the looting broke out in KwaZulu-Natal 18 days ago, Minister Ebrahim Patel has been missing in action… Reward offered for information that may lead to him doing his job, and coming to KZN” | Dean Macpherson

????????MISSING PERSON ALERT????????
REWARD OFFERED pic.twitter.com/59coRQoIg6

— Dean Macpherson (@DeanMacpherson) July 28, 2021

Minister slammed for ‘impotent response’ to riots

With all jokes aside, the DA is actually pretty livid with Ebrahim Patel’s conduct over the past few weeks. He stands accused of ignoring his ministerial remit, with Macpherson dragging his opposite number for ‘burying his head in the sand’. It remains to be seen if this cheeky campaign from the Blues will prompt a response from the elusive 59-year-old.

“Minster Patel, who is charged with advancing industrialisation and investments into job-creating industries, has buried his head so far in the sand, it has become covered with the rubble left behind by the looters and arsonists. He has simply refused to respond to our requests, or even come to the KZN province.”

“Ministers and MPs need to be on the ground and show leadership. Hiding in air-conditioned offices and behind security walls simply won’t cut it when so many people stand to lose their jobs. By their inactions, the Minister has rendered himself entirely impotent in the face of a crisis that will haunt South Africa for years to come.”

Dean Macpherson