‘PLEASE forgive me’ remember that popular hit song?
If not, then let South African Tourism acting CEO Reverend Themba Khumalo, indulge you.
He appeared before the Tourism Portfolio Committee on Tuesday, in Parliament.
This follows the much heated and controversial deal that was to be entered between the agency and the EPL outfit Tottenham Hotspur worth R1bn rand, for the next coming three-years and reportedly to generate over R88bn as part of ROIs.
During address to the Committee, TK as he’s known said he “apologised unreservedly” for his untoward behaviour to the press and the nation, during a heated presser last week at the SAT offices in Sandton.
“I’m sorry for coming across in a manner that was arrogant and probably over self-confident” and pointed out his behaviour was “motivated by the fact that I was under personal attack on social media. I felt under pressure at that press briefing. Please forgive me!” said Khumalo.
The no-nonsense Committee chairperson Tandi Mahambehlala, reprimanded Khumalo that he spoke to South Africans as if he was speaking to his children.
“The acting CEO was talking to South Africans very arrogantly. That was an embarrassing moment for us, we did not take it lightly.”
As if that was not enough, MPs were also angered by the absence of Tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
“We have had a minister who has been a law unto herself, never attended portfolio committee meetings and not here on a crucial matter,” says Mahambehlala.
They pointed out that she undermines the committee and being disrespectful, after appointing the new board chairperson Thomazile Botha, who was only appointed on Saturday, the third person in the position in three months, said Mahambehlala, who added that he received his appointment letter the same day.
“She was supposed to introduce the board to the committee but the minister was nowhere to be seen.”
The committee previously issued summons against Sisulu after previous requests for her to appear were ignored.
In her response, Sisulu said she was seeking legal advice.
The minister’s office said she was “attending to the cabinet meeting hence she could not attend the committee’s address“.
Last Friday, three board members who were allegedly against the deal, resigned in a huff.
Government continues to call for the scrapping of the entire deal, following confirmation by TK, that if the need arises, it will be considered.
Aha, did you get the whole lyrics of the song ‘please forgive me?’
Image (‘Apologetic’ Rev Themba Khumalo- SAT acting CEO).
