Following the widespread controversy of the Department of Tourism’s alleged Tottenham Hotspur deal, the department held a Portfolio Committee meeting today, of which Minister Lindiwe Sisulu was not present. This has sprung reports that Sisulu snubbed the meeting.

The Ministry of Tourism has released a statement disputing rumours that Minister Lindiwe Sisulu deliberately missed the Portfolio Committee meeting.

According to the statement, Sisulu had excused herself from appearing prior to the meeting, on grounds that she was in attendance in the Joint Meeting of all Cabinet Committees led by President Cyril Ramaphosa which conveniently took place at the same time as the Tourism’s Portfolio Committee Meeting.

The minister expressed that she takes exception to the decision of the Portfolio Committee not reading her written apology.

According to the Tourism Ministry, the minister "wishes to re-emphasise yet again that she respects the Portfolio Committee in its role as an extension of Parliament to exercise oversight" , adding that she has and will continue supporting its mandate and work.

Following her attendance at the Joint Meeting, the minister joined the Portfolio Committee meeting, shortly afterwards. 

This, while the acting South African Tourism CEO, Themba Khumalothe, was tasked with having to explain and defend the  sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur to the committee.