CAPE TOWN - Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu on Tuesday responded to criticism about her use of VIP jets by insulting the Democratic Alliance (DA) MP who dug up the dirt.
Member of Parliament David Maynier was questioning Sisulu in the National Assembly about the use of private jets while she served as Defence Minister.
It emerged in a written response to a parliamentary question Maynier submitted that Sisulu allegedly flew 203 times on private jets - and that 69 of those flights were ferry flights used to fetch her.
But Sisulu refuted the claims, saying she only used private aircraft 35 times.
“So you can keep your flea-infested body at peace and sit down.”
Another opposition MP then called on Sisulu to withdraw her statement.
“The minister indicated that the Honourable Manyier had a flea-infested body, which I think is a verbal insult on an honourable member’s integrity. I would like her to withdraw that statement.”
Max Sisulu, who is the speaker of the house and the minister's brother, had to repeatedly call members to order.
He now has the task of ruling whether Sisulu’s comments were against parliamentary conduct.
If he finds that to be true, the minister will have to withdraw her comments.