Minister Tau defends controversial IDC board appointments amid budget backlash
Image: GCIS
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau on Friday defended the appointment of ANC-aligned individuals to the board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
This was after his department came under criticism when he presented the 2025/26 budget in the National Assembly.
'It is disingenuous to simply suggest that capability is limited by the fact that you are affiliated with the ANC. It is not true. It is an anomaly to think that way,' Tau said.
There has been outrage after former ministers Ayanda Dlodlo and Sydney Mufamadi, as well as former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, were named among those appointed to the IDC board.
Now, there is a push for Tau to appear before the Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee to explain the appointment process for the board.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
During the budget vote debate, the EFF described the IDC board as being filled with ANC loyalists while the DA questioned whether Tau was serious to believe that Dlodlo and Mufamadi were anything other than ANC deployees instructed to do the party's work.
In his response, Tau said it was a problem in Parliament to suggest that Mufamadi, who is an industrial economist, simply because of his affiliation to the ANC, was not eligible to serve on the IDC board.
'He is an industrial economist and lectures on this subject. You can't say a person who served on the World Bank, Ayanda Dlodlo, is not eligible. You don't take advantage of the skills created by the country and experience of the people of your country,' he said.
Tau earlier told the parliamentarians that the department's R11 billion budget signalled a pivot from crisis management to enabling growth.
'At its heart lies the simple conviction that when government, business, labour, and communities co-create solutions, we unlock exponential impact,' he said.
Tau said as part of the growth agenda, they were committed to an industrial policy that would improve the competitiveness of South African manufacturing, support investment in new industries, and build on South Africa's mineral and resource endowments.
'Our industrial policy promotes local economic activity, and its review will be guided by opportunities in diversification, decarbonisation, and digitalisation.'
ANC MP Mzwandile Masina lamented the exporting of jobs because minerals were not processed in the country.
'We are unable to capitalise on them (strategic resources) because we are obsessed with pit-to-port, which has not yielded much economic growth in our country,' Masina said.
He said the country's economic industrial policy should be anchored on innovation, research, and development.
Masina also said the issues of transformation require a rethink by the country.
'The government was correct to look into the issue of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and score cards, which must include owner management control and its development. However, ownership and management control have not moved in the way we have expected,' he said.
MK Party Mzikayise Ntshingila said the budget failed to address the urgent realities.
'We find the budget of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition deeply inadequate and misaligned with national priorities and out of touch with everyday struggles of our people,' Ntshingila said.
EFF MP Chumani Matiwane said the department was marred by scandals and patronage under Tau, including the questionable awarding of the lottery operator licence.
'We doubt if this department can be trusted with even a cent under his stewardship,' said Matiwane.
Rise Mzansi's Makashule Gana took a swipe at Tau for his inaction when the gambling operators were operating with impunity, when there was no national Gambling Board, and the National Gambling Council had not met for years.
'We face a gambling crisis. It is not a minor issue; it is an emergency. No country has ever gambled its way to prosperity,' Gana said.
In response, Tau said they were working to address transformation issues.
'We have been working on stemming the tide. We have been addressing a number of challenges in particular sectors and sectors of concern.'
Tau said the board of the National Gambling Board will be appointed soon and the National Gambling Council will meet next week.
'The board appointment is under way and will be taken to Cabinet.'
He committed to ensure to subject the lottery operator licence was subjected to 'increased scrutiny and further accountability'.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Former Deputy President David Mabuza laid to rest
Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David 'DD' Mabuza on Saturday. Mabuza passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga. Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza's funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the day as a moment of sombre reflection. 'We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people. 'It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza, DD, as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well,' he said. The Mpumalanga-born politician – affectionately referred to as 'DD' or 'The Cat' – was a teacher by training. However, he was drawn into political activism and, subsequently, the public service. Mabuza's journey into the public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council in several portfolios. He then served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until he became a Member of Parliament and then Deputy President in 2018. 'He served as our country's Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC). 'When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. 'In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,' President Ramaphosa said. As President Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela – forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga. 'He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch. 'Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD's home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province. 'He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,' President Ramaphosa noted. He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of 'being quick to respond to matters of service delivery'. 'Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga, who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga. 'Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises,' he said. President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa. '[During] this time, I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy. 'As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state. 'In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,' he said. The President offered words of solace and comfort to the family and gave a final word to the departed man himself. 'You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. I worked with you and saw your commitment. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will. 'I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured step and steady hand. Though storms did gather, and winds did sway, you held the centre night and day. Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,' President Ramaphosa concluded. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to David Mabuza at state funeral
Former deputy president David Mabuza is being laid to rest in an official state funeral on Saturday, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Image: Supplied President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the state funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza, describing him as a unifier of the nation. The funeral was held at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday. Ramaphosa praised Mabuza for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. "He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism, and quiet resolve," said Ramaphosa. "To some, he was the 'cat with nine lives' — resilient in the face of political storms." Mabuza's passion for education was evident in his work as a teacher and his efforts to improve access to education for rural communities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ramaphosa noted that Mabuza's legacy includes establishing many rural boarding schools, which helped eradicate the barrier to education for farm children. He described Mabuza as a unifier of the nation, who worked tirelessly to bring people together across party lines and racial divides. "He stood firm for the unity of his movement, the ANC, and it was his lifelong dream to see a strong, united ANC." Mabuza's ability to unite people was evident in his work as premier of Mpumalanga, where he brought together different communities and worked to restore the dignity of traditional leaders, he said. He praised Mabuza for his commitment to unity and his ability to work with people from all walks of life. Ramaphosa reflected on the lessons that can be learned from Mabuza's life and legacy. "Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people?" asked Ramaphosa. Mabuza's selflessness and commitment to public service were evident in his work, and Ramaphosa praised him for being a true servant of the people. "He was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches," said Ramaphosa. "He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives." Mabuza's family remembered the late statesman as a man of high stature and honour. His son, Mxolisi Mabuza, said his father was a stern and disciplined man who always pushed for excellence. He described him as stern and disciplined, always striving for excellence. "He made it clear that we are standing on the shoulders of sacrifice, and because of that, we never take our lives for granted. Education was one of our dad's greatest passions; he spoke about it constantly as a tool for success and a foundation for freedom." Angela, his daughter, said that as stern as he was, he was still supportive and encouraging, adding that he embraced all the ideas they brought to the table but with a critical eye. "Dad didn't walk, he moved with purpose, with direction. He was a man who lived as though he had a calling because he did, and that purpose carried him through every room, every role, and every day." Mabuza died at a hospital in Sandton last Thursday, following a short illness at the age of 64. He was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga, on August 25, 1960. Mabuza earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989. He served as an MEC for Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998, and as a regional chairperson of the ANC during the same period. He became a member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC from 1998 to 2006. While he served in other government roles, including Mpumalanga premier, he became the deputy president of the ANC from December 2017 to December 2022.
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘We're not always what we claim to be': Ramaphosa takes dig at SA's politicians during Mabuza's funeral
Speaking at David Mabuza's funeral, Ramaphosa said the country's leaders need to be more 'selfless'. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the eulogy during the funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza at Hoërskool Bergvlam, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on 12 July 2025. Picture: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa told South Africa's politicians to use former deputy president David Mabuza's funeral as an opportunity to reflect on their roles. Ramaphosa delivered a eulogy at Mabuza's funeral in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday. 'The sad and untimely passing of our fellow comrade is a time for the leaders of this country to reflect,' he said. ALSO READ: Mabuza funeral: It was his dream to see the ANC united – Ramaphosa 'Personal ambition prioritised over collective progress' – Ramaphosa The president said South Africa's leaders are 'not always what we claim to be'. 'Too many of us often say 'yes, we are honest in what we say', but in the end become less honest in what we do,' he said. 'Too often, personal ambition takes precedence over collective progress. Too often, our words sow division. 'If we are serious about building something greater than ourselves, be it a movement, be it a community, or be it a nation, we must begin with humility.' ALSO READ: Mbalula defends the way he announced Mabuza's death [VIDEO] Ramaphosa said South Africa's leaders must have commitment and be prepared to sacrifice. 'We must ask not just what we are fighting against, but we must ask what we are building towards.' He seemed to take a dig at politicians prioritising their own interests. 'We need to let our selflessness be more than just sentiment. It should be action.' Mabuza 'wanted unity' in ANC He said Mabuza sought to unite the ANC. 'At the time when there was disunity in the African National Congress, DD Mabuza sought to unite the ANC. 'So, with this passing, we have lost a great leader. DD Mabuza has left a void.' After his passing, Mabuza was remembered as playing a pivotal role in getting Ramaphosa elected as president in 2017. He has been credited with potentially saving the country by switching his allegiance from the RET faction backing Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to Ramaphosa's Thuma Mina campaign. Ramaphosa said ANC members need to honour Mabuza by emulating him. 'We need to honour him, but honour him correctly by emulating him, by doing what he did to be Mr Unity.' NOW READ: SACP official claims Mabuza backed unity to prevent Zuma's 'rule from the grave'
