Whistle-blower's self-funded travel to Parliament hearing sparks outrage among MPs

Members of Parliament expressed disgust and disappointment when one of the presenters to the Ad Hoc Committee informed them that he had covered his own travel and accommodation because he did not want to miss the opportunity to make a presentation.

This emerged when former SAPS commander and unionist Tengimpilo Maqebhula was responding to questions after he gave evidence on unlawful dismissals and racial discrimination within the SAPS.

Responding to ActionSA MP Dereleen James, Maqebhula said there was an arrangement from Parliament that they would pay for the expenses.

“But there was a delay in flights. I did not want to miss the opportunity. I had to pay on my own,” he said.

Maqebhula said he had to pay for his flight tickets and accommodation.

James expressed disappointment that he was being lied to.

“They invited you here. They said they will pay for your logistics and your travel, and you had to find your way,” she said.

“That is a disgrace. I want to apologise for what you have been through, and further exploited by the very people who are meant to give an ear and support you at least to get here,” said James.

Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said: “The people who are responsible for the administration of the committee work have taken note of the concerns that are being brought to light now.”

EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys expressed disgust on behalf of her party at how Parliament handled the matter.

“I don’t think it is a correct way to say whoever is responsible has taken note. We must actually get a report on who was responsible,” Mathys said.

“I am so embarrassed to be part of something that cannot organise logistics. I am disgusted,” she said.

Earlier, Maqebhula told the Ad Hoc Committee he was a whistle-blower and representative of SAPS members.

“I am still reporting on the issues even when I am no longer in the police and report to the authorities,” he said.

Asked by Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls what happened to his disfigured face, Maqebhula blamed victimisation almost all the years he was at SAPS, which made him suffer from a stroke.

“You can see my face. I was not like this when I was born, but in the police everything changes,” he said.

Maqebhula, who is the author of the book titled 'Unfinished Road to Justice', complained about the failure by those in authority to act and that no one wanted to take accountability.

He told how whistle-blowers were victimised once they were identified for understanding the procedures that ought to be followed.

Maqebhula made an example whereby one would be made to face criminal charges, and then disciplinary proceedings would be rushed through.

“When you are found guilty, you are already dismissed.”

He told of no effort being made to investigate a grievance taken to the CCMA or the Labour Court.

“The system raises money, protects the commander who victimises and they even hire a senior advocate and you do it on your own in court.”

Asked about his expectation after he gave his testimony, Maqebhula said Parliament should protect the Constitution, intervene in the SAPS, and make sure the abuse of power was stopped.

“Make sure that the people involved must account. The main problem is that there is no accountability.”

He recalled that he first came to Parliament around 2009 to the Police Portfolio Committee, but could not get an opportunity to be heard.

“I appeal: zoom into SAPS. Make sure whistle-blowers are protected. We are tired of burying people every day, helping the government, but they are now buried and losing jobs. Whatever I presented, I quoted legislation that can guide shortcomings,” Maqebhula said.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za