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The Herald
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Mabuyane's 'family responsibility leave' amid EC flood crisis sparks debate
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has sparked a debate after taking a 34-day 'family responsibility leave' while the province is grappling with a flood crisis. Mabuyane took leave from June 20 to July 23 to support his two sons who are undergoing initiation. Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko was appointed as acting premier during this period. 'Leadership begins at home. I took leave to stand by my two sons as they transitioned from boyhood to manhood. In a time of high risk, I'm intentional about being a present father,' Mabuyane said on X. 'Some take leave to watch their sons play sports and that's perfectly fine. I took leave to stand beside my sons during this critical passage to manhood: to guide, teach, and protect them in a time when it matters most.' The province was hit by devastating floods early this month, claiming lives and destroying homes. As ongoing search and recovery efforts continue, 102 bodies have been recovered across various districts. Mabuyane's reason to take leave was not accepted by many, including EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. 'It's blackmail,' Thambo said on X. 'To be a public representative demands sacrifice, and at times that means family. It cannot be that it is suggested that Mabuyane's first moment to be a present father began at the point of his son's going to initiation school. I do not think that is true.' He said Mabuyane should not use culture to avoid accountability. 'Our culture must not be used to justify abandoning public duty. I find it extremely manipulative that the narrative of absent and present fatherhood is being weaponised to neglect families whose lives are torn apart in Mthatha.' EFF MP Veronica Mente said Mabuyane's duties as premier should have been prioritised. 'Oscar has a state responsibility which he cannot divorce himself from. We are not invalidating his responsibility to his children, however that's never a permanent job: he can be present for both his people and family.' Other social media users have defended Mabuyane, citing the importance of being a present father. Sivuyile Matshoba on Facebook said Mabuyane also has responsibility to his family outside being a premier. 'The opportunity to take care of his boys in the transitioning period comes once. On the other hand, government has many leaders. As such, he appointed the acting premier but unfortunately, he can't appoint an acting father to his children.' Here are more reactions from X:
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape floods will not be used as a get-rich-quick scheme, says acting premier
The damage of the floods is estimated to be around R4 billion. Eastern Cape Finance MEC and Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko has cautioned that funds allocated to assist victims of recent devastating floods should not be misused for personal gain. A memorial service was held in Decoligny village, Mthatha, on Thursday following the loss of more than 90 lives due to heavy rains that swept across the province last week. The floods, which struck the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, have left many families displaced. Temporary shelters have since been set up, and essential items such as meals, clothing and hygiene products are being distributed to affected communities. Eastern Cape floods: Government pledges support Speaking at Thursday's memorial, Mvoko reaffirmed government's commitment to supporting those impacted by the disaster. 'Premier Oscar Mabuyane said this day shouldn't be for long speeches, but he said I should leave words of hope and the government's commitment in helping the victims of the disaster,' he said. The MEC highlighted the severe impact the floods have had on infrastructure across the province. 'The relentless rain, roaring winds and floodwaters have taken their toll not just on our infrastructure, but also on our people, our communities and our collective sense of safety. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Police vow to 'wake morals' of looters 'The floods have tested us, but rest assured, we will rebuild the affected communities. 'More than 4 300 people have been affected by the recent disaster in our province. Households are destroyed. More than 4 200 households have been destroyed.' According to Mvoko, 1 963 households have suffered partial roof damage. Additionally, over 400 schools have been affected, with more than 1 500 classrooms damaged – impacting over 40 000 pupils. 'We have not listed damaged roads, bridges, hospitals and water infrastructure, but for now we estimate the damage to be around R4 billion.' Watch the memorial below: 'Get-rich-quick scheme' With the Eastern Cape officially declared a disaster zone, Mvoko condemned those attempting to exploit the tragedy for personal or financial gain – a possible reference to reports of 'water mafias' obstructing the work of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers. 'We have observed acts of cruelty where individuals want to benefit from this disaster…. People want to take advantage of disaster zones. They want to be the ones who benefit.' He stressed that corruption in the disbursement of aid would not be tolerated. READ MORE: Eastern Cape floods: Police vow to 'wake morals' of looters 'This tragedy should not and will not be used as a get-rich-quick scheme, where there are people who want to see money from the disaster. 'Any funds dedicated to it will be used prudently to help our people rebuild their lives. 'We ask representatives of government that when the money is received, which is meant to help people, it should be used for what it is intended for.' Mvoko further urged individuals to refrain from misusing or hoarding relief supplies, emphasising that food parcels should not be taken for themselves. Eastern Cape floods death toll Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane described the disaster as 'unprecedented,' with the current death toll at 92. 'We are deeply saddened by the horrific human tragedy,' she said. 'We don't want to count more numbers of people who have departed, but we appreciate that it is important for families to find closure,' Simelane continued. The minister said that efforts to restore water and electricity services are ongoing in the affected parts of the Eastern Cape, excluding the areas still too wet for access. 'The Department of Home Affairs is still on site giving assistance to all community members who need their paperwork,' Simelane added. She further confirmed that some pupils had returned to school. Additionally, public infrastructure, such as bridges, are being rebuilt. NOW READ: 'This is a catastrophic disaster': Ramaphosa visits devastated families after deadly EC floods
