EFF MP Naledi Chirwa has issued a public apology after being fined by the party for not attending the budget speech in parliament last month. Chirwa, who has been an MP since 2019, explained that she was unable to attend the budget speech because her four-month-old daughter fell ill on the day.
In her apology, which she published on her social platforms, Chirwa expressed regret for failing to attend parliament and explained that her daughter is currently with her mother until after the elections.
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This arrangement allows Chirwa to fully engage in organisational work during this period and contribute to the collective effort of ushering in an EFF government post May 29.
Chirwa’s apology comes in response to EFF leader Julius Malema’s promise of accountability for MPs who missed the impeachment vote of Western Cape judge president John Mandlakayise Hlophe on February 21. Chirwa admitted that she failed to report her absence to the EFF parliament chief whip and instead reported to the party, which was seen as not following the correct reporting procedure.
In her apology, Chirwa emphasized her commitment to the movement of the people and the responsibility entrusted to her in the parliament of South Africa.
She highlighted her decision to go on maternity leave a day before giving birth and returning two months prior to the end of her maternity leave as evidence of her dedication.
Chirwa also stated that she will fulfill the reprimand set by the organization, which includes purchasing two gazebos before March 28 and publicizing her apology.
While some people on social media accepted Chirwa’s apology, others criticized the EFF, deeming the disciplinary measures unnecessary.
This is not the first time the party has faced criticism for its disciplinary actions. In 2023, the EFF expelled MP Vusi Khoza and 62 other party representatives for failing to hire 20 buses for the party’s 10th birthday celebration.
Public Apology on failure to attend Budget Speech in Parliament on the 21st of February 2024 🙏🏾🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/MGTIK5I7oq
— Mam’Mpungose 🇵🇸 (@NalediChirwa) March 4, 2024
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In my not so many years of working, I’ve never seen an employee coming out to explain a situation that only HR and or line management ought to be privy to. If this is taking accountability, then, it is unnecessarily extreme! La mo tshaba Julius; yoh!!!
— kgomotso Ntu (@KgomotsoMalul12) March 4, 2024
Made to write a public apology for attending to your sick child? Nah, man. This was unnecessary. Hope your child gets better, soon.
— Stay shining. 🇸🇩🇨🇩🇾🇪🇸🇸 (@ThulaniSundu) March 4, 2024
Hopefully, South Africans can see the personal sacrifices that the Economic Freedom Fighters make to South Africa a better place. The humbleness is unprecedented. It is not done to score political points. The road to economic freedom is not easy.
— Sthamber (@Sthamber) March 5, 2024
To be honest, this is disappointing. All I see is a toxic work environment- if a mother has to apologize for taking care of her 4 month old sick child, then give the baby to her mother so she can continue to work???
No, man.— marang setshwaelo (@marangdream) March 5, 2024
