MPs on Wednesday took an unusual stance in reprimanding the Telecommunications and Postal Services Department‚ headed by Minister Siyabonga Cwele‚ for repeatedly being a no-show at important discussions. The Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services issued a statement saying it was “disappointed and surprised by the decision of the department and its entities not to attend a critical meeting to discuss broadband rollout”.“It is extremely disappointing that this meeting did not take place‚ especially considering the importance of this process in ensuring internet connectivity to all South Africans. The Committee views this decision as undermining the oversight role of the Committee and Parliament as enshrined in the constitution‚” said committee chairperson Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.The committee said it has over the past financial year scheduled three meetings‚ but none was attended by the department.“Each time a request to postpone the meeting was received by the Committee. For the meeting of the 27th January 2016‚ a programme with dates and agenda was sent to the department before Parliament closed last year and no objection was recorded with the Committee. The letter requesting postponement was received by the Committee late last week and was rejected by the Chairperson as she deemed it late to postpone the meeting. Today‚ the Committee decided to cancel the meeting and request intervention from Presiding Officers on this matter.”..