FRAUD-ACCUSED and former Transnet executives Siyabonga Gama and Brian Molefe have been sworn in as uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Members of Parliament (MPs).
The swearing-in ceremony was in Cape Town on Wednesday, 28 August.
Gama and Molefe are implicated in an R398,4 million Transnet fraud and corruption case currently on trial in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge.
Other new MK members include former Prasa boss Lucky Montana, musician Penny Penny, Thulani Gamede, and former EFF MP Mzwanele Manyi.
Montana was in the spotlight during the Zondo Commission, which investigated the looting of state-owned entities that was rife during former president Jacob Zuma's tenure.
The DA stated that the swearing-in of individuals implicated in state capture as MPs for the MK, led by Zuma, was an insult to the people of South Africa.
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The party said people have suffered the devastating consequences of corruption and mismanagement under individuals now poised to represent them in Parliament.
"These individuals are not suitable to hold positions in a Parliament that should uphold the principles of democracy and accountability with integrity at its core. Their presence in this body serves as a clear indication of how deep-rooted corruption has seeped into our political framework," said DA Chief Whip George Michalakis.
He claimed that the decision to put forward these names not only reflects on the character of the MK but also has serious implications for the dignity of Parliament as an institution and, therefore, warrants a response.
Michalakis said that although the DA usually refrains from commenting on the internal affairs of other parties, the MK Party's decision to amend their party lists, chopping and changing them at will, has undermined the very essence of democratic representation.
"Voters were unaware that they would be represented by these individuals, as they were not included in the list initially presented to the electorate. This makes a mockery of our democratic process, where transparency and trust should be paramount," said Michalakis.
The EFF also had new members sworn in, namely former spokesman Sinawo Thambo and Nazier Paulsen.
They replaced former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and Mzwanele Manyi.
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