Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Tourism plans to ask National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to discipline Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu after she failed to appear before the committee to account for her ministerial portfolio.

Committee member Manny de Freitas (DA MP) said Sisulu had been sent numerous requests to appear. 

News24 reports that after receiving a summons to appear this week, she sent a legal representative.

Sisulu yesterday confirmed that the committee had ordered her to appear. She said she was seeking legal advice on the matter.

Her spokesperson Steve Motale said she wishes to place on record that she respects the portfolio committee in its role as an extension of Parliament to exercise oversight.

‘The Minister has always supported the mandate and work of the committee and will continue to do so. She, therefore, views the current developments as unfortunate and unnecessary,’ Motale said.

The DA said if Sisulu was not interested in serving as a Minister and performing her accounting responsibilities she should resign.

It said ignoring a summons could equate to a criminal act and could lead to a fine or 12 months in jail.

Full News24 report