Bathabile Dlamini denies she didn’t stand for Gordhan

Responding to a question at a media briefing in Tshwane on Sunday morning, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini disputed reports that she had snubbed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan when he entered the National Assembly to give his budget speech last month.

She said that she had briefly stood and clapped for him and the photo that circulated on social media was deceptive. It was reported that Dlamini was part of a group of Cabinet colleagues who snubbed Gordhan because they have taken President Jacob Zuma’s side in the cold war between Treasury and Zuma, who has been accused to trying to capture the institution on behalf of his business friends the Guptas.

Dlamini said: “As for the matter of the standing ovation, I think people must be really fair. When, usually, malicious people do what suits them.

“I stood up there, clapped, and sat down. And therefore, whoever took that photo [of me sitting down] wanted to show that [I was not giving a standing ovation to Gordhan]. Unfortunately, South Africans discuss non-issues … the standing ovation and clapping of hands … could this be discussed by the whole country and occupy corridors and high offices. I really feel that in this we were mis … er … that was a very sad situation.”

She said she had had conversations with the finance minister. “We also had a meeting yesterday, and what I saw was that the minister will continue working with us. Never mind letters that have also been leaked.”

Dlamini admitted that there were differences between herself and Treasury. “People who look after money have a different view.”

Dlamini, the Gupta-linked Minister Des van Rooyen, Minister of State Security David Mahlobo‚ a known ally of President Jacob Zuma, Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu allegedly also did not stand.

According to opposition MPs from the EFF and the DA, they never stood up, and it was not simply a matter of an ill-timed photo.

https://twitter.com/NatashaMichael3/status/834397484755668997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Gupta controlled clique & faction of cabinet remained on their seats after the minister spoke. #Budget2017! pic.twitter.com/ZDwgwjBQRV

— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) February 22, 2017