Question NW145 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture”
05 March 2021 - NW145
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture”
1. What is the total number of meetings of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture which took place since 1 January 2020 and total number of the specified meetings did he attend; 2. what were the three main reasons why he did not attend the specified committee meetings; 3. whether he received any communication from the Chairperson of the committee regarding action to be taken to address the issue of his non-attendance; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what action has the Chairperson of the committee proposed?
Reply:
(1) (a) The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, has got all the records of meetings that were held in 2020, (b) as well as the apologies that I tendered in my absence and there is no stage that I could not attend the meeting without a reason. The Member should appreciate the fact that I had always shown high regard for the Portfolio Committee whenever I am requested to appear before it. In most instances, where it was absolutely impossible for me to attend the committee meeting, I would request the Deputy Minister to lead the Department.
(2) Some of the reason are as follow;
- If I am presenting in the Cabinet Committee/Cabinet meeting
- Meetings on Coronavirus Command Council etc.
(3) I constantly communicate with the Chairperson on several issues regarding the Portfolio and all the apologies are directly forwarded to the Chairperson.