Sisulu a danger to democracy- DA

In a scathing attack by the DA, Defence and Military Veterans' Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has been labelled a "danger to democracy".

The criticism, which the ministry has dismissed as "madness", was made as DA defence spokesman David Maynier called on parliamentary speaker Max Sisulu to "step in and deal" with the defence minister, who is his sister.

Maynier said the minister was once again refusing to reply to written parliamentary questions about the state of the defence force.

"The fact is that the minister is fast becoming a danger to democratic life in South Africa," he said.

"She is deliberately undermining parliament by not allowing it to properly conduct its constitutional mandate.

"She has embarked on a purge and she is involved in a low-intensity political war which she has waged since 2009."

Her other tactics, he said, included her refusal to allow SA Air Force chief Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano to appear at a parliamentary hearing.

Last week she refused to reply to a written parliamentary question about the state of the air force.

Maynier said the questions Sisulu refused to answer included how many Gripen fighter jets and Hawk trainer jets had been delivered and will be serviced by December.

Sisulu's spokesman, Siphiwe Dlamini, described what Manyier said as "madness".

"We are used to Maynier's moaning and groaning. The minister is always available to reply to any questions ." Dlamini said.