EFF Calls Out Trade Minister Parks Tau For Skipping Parliament Meetings

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is taking aim at Parks Tau, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, for allegedly neglecting his parliamentary duties.
According to the EFF, Tau missed 14 out of 16 parliamentary meetings and barely showed up for his second appearance, sparking outrage.
The EFF accuses Tau of showing disrespect to Parliament, a claim that resonated with many South Africans who voiced their support for the party’s stance.

With over seven years of experience at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a journalist for Briefly News, brings deep insights into South African politics, governance at national, provincial, and local levels, the Government of National Unity, political parties, and the functioning of Parliament.

The EFF has criticized Parks Tau for ignoring his responsibilities in Parliament. Images: Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images via Getty Images and Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE—The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticized Parks Tau, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, for allegedly skipping 14 out of 16 parliamentary meetings. The EFF's statement paints a picture of a minister who has shown little regard for his duties, fueling public discontent.

EFF Fires Shots at Parks Tau

The EFF, in a bold statement, accused Parks Tau, who was sworn in as a minister for the first time after the 2024 General Election, of failing to meet his responsibilities. According to the party, Tau missed 14 of 16 parliamentary meetings, and his second appearance was brief, during which he announced that he wouldn’t be able to attend the meeting. The EFF believes that President Cyril Ramaphosa should step in and ensure that Tau fulfills his obligations to the Portfolio Committee on the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC).

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The EFF further criticized Tau for neglecting his duties in a department that oversees 18 entities, many of which are plagued by governance and financial issues. "Tau presides over the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, which has 18 entities, most of which are plagued by government and financial problems. The minister has disregarded appearing in the committee to account for his role in stabilizing entities, including his own department," the party stated.

"Tau presides over the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which has 18 entities, most of which are plagued by government and financial problems. The minister has disregarded appearing in the committee to account for his role in stabilizing entities, including his own department," the EFF said.

For those interested, you can read the full statement here.

Public Backs EFF's Stance

The EFF's criticism of Parks Tau didn’t just resonate within political circles—it struck a chord with South Africans on social media as well. Many citizens expressed agreement with the EFF's stance, showing their support for the party's call for accountability.

One user, Hero Mohale, chimed in, saying, "Here, I agree with Julius. Comrade Parks can always do better. This is not a banana republic. How would the president reprimand the DA when our own are doing the same?"

"Here, I agree with Julius. Comrade Parks can always do better. This is not a banana republic. How would the president reprimand the DA when our own are doing the same?"

Another user, Thato, questioned Tau’s commitment to his role, saying, "Parks Tau, why are you disregarding our Parliament? In fact, you are showing the middle finger to the voters."

"Parks Tau, why are you disregarding our Parliament? In fact, you are showing the middle finger to the voters."

Lockman added, "I have been sending emails directly to his office with no response," highlighting the disconnect between the minister and the public.

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"I have been sending emails directly to his office with no response."

Tshomankane emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, "Their business must include attending Parliament to account. It's part of their job."

"Their business must include attending Parliament to account. It's part of their job."

Julius Malema Slams GNU

In a separate development, Briefly News reported that EFF President Julius Malema criticized the Government of National Unity (GNU), accusing it of failing to function effectively. Malema pointed out the absence of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the BELA Bill into law as an example of the GNU's ineffectiveness.

Malema’s critique reflects a growing sentiment that the GNU, designed to foster unity and cooperation, has fallen short of expectations. His comments add another layer to the ongoing debate about accountability and governance in South Africa.