Lindiwe Sisulu 'blocked' at jail - the political implications explained
Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu claimed that Kimberly Correctional Centre denied her access to former Northern Cape Finance MEC, John Block.
Former Northern Cape Finance MEC John Block is currently serving 15 years for fraud, corruption, and money laundering in 2015.
Tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently claimed that she and struggle stalwart Allan Boesak were denied access to visit Block.
READ: Correctional Services denies Sisulu claim around John Block
Sisulu and Boesak briefed the media on Tuesday.
They claim prison officials denied them access to visit Block even though they followed the relevant processes.
"I was accompanied by my staff and by Reverend Allan Boesak. We had wanted to be with him (John Block) and it is his constitutional right to have visitors, and it is also my right to have access to him if the law allows that,” said Sisulu.
READ: 'How to be safe' video to greet tourists in SA
Earlier this year, Sisulu wrote an article that provoked a great deal of response. The article was titled 'Hi Mzansi, have we seen justice?'
Sisulu said that she is "tempted to write 'Hi Mzansi…' part 2 about our experiences with the prison authorities."
However, Correctional Services denied Sisulu's claim around Block.
READ: Sisulu: Only 3 tourists have died in SA since '94
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo refuted the claims, saying no member of the public can ever be denied an opportunity to visit an inmate.
What is minister Sisulu trying to achieve with her current actions and statements?
Award-winning journalist Christelle du Toit sits down with Rob Forbes and Rozanne McKenzie to unpack it.
Tune in to the 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 - 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.