MPs gun for Godongwana for refusing to brief committee on land reform finances

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana has turned down the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development's request for a presentation on expenditure trends related to land reform funding, saying undertaking such an exercise would undermine policy development and the mandate of the department.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

In a letter to the committee, Godongwana said it would be inappropriate as the efficient management of fiscal resources falls primarily under the purview of the department itself.

Godongwana also said the funding arrangements related to institutions and service delivery were the core component of policy development and was within the mandate of the department.

"I believe that clear delineation of responsibilities strengthens Parliament's oversight function. However, in light of the above, I request that the National Treasury be excused from the meeting and will not attend," said Godongwana.

His refusal sparked a heated debate among committee members, with chairperson Albert Mncwango saying it was necessary for MPs to engage with the Treasury to understand the rationale behind the budget reductions that have hindered land reform efforts.