By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President David Mabuza says his six-week trip to Russia earlier this year was solely for the purpose of a scheduled medical consultation and not to meet with any individuals or entities in that country.
Appearing on Thursday before the National Assembly, Mabuza dismissed speculation that his leave of absence in July meant that he was unable to discharge his duties as the country’s second in command.
“The trip that I’ve undertaken to the Russian Federation during my leave of absence was solely for the purpose of a scheduled medical consultation.
“As such, the consultation with my long-standing medical team was held as per the objective of the visit and I’ve been in hospital for the duration of my stay there,” Mabuza said.
He was answering a question posed by Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip Natasha Mazzone, who wanted to know whether Mabuza had attended any meetings with any person, entity or organisation while he was in Russia.
The deputy president was in Russia for a scheduled medical consultation, according to his office. This was for a follow-up to his previous medical consultations, after he was allegedly poisoned during his tenure as the premier of Mpumalanga.
In her supplementary question, Mazzone asked Mabuza about the poisoning rumours.
She called on Mabuza to take the House into his confidence and explain why he chose to travel to Russia for medical assistance.
“Deputy president, while you were gone, there was a lot of rumour-mongering going around, and as you know, perception in politics is everything.
“We were being told that you had been specifically poisoned by members within your own ranks. I feel like it’s time for you to be frank about this so that we can do away with these kinds of rumours,”Mazzone said.
However, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula shot down Mazzone’s questions, saying her line of questioning was out of order as Mabuza’s medical condition was confidential.
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Video Courtesy of Parliament.