Mampara of the week: Fhumulani Netshipale

Ever heard of one Fhumulani Netshipale?

Well, he’s a buffoon moonlighting as the director-general of the department of social development.

After this newspaper last week exposed how the government sent an army of employees and ministers on a three-week long New York junket — with his department alone splurging R3m — Netshipalempara thought it wise to go on a media tour in a clumsy attempt to spin the embarrassing sojourn.

But it backfired spectacularly as journalist after journalist gave him a hard time until he ran out silly excuses.

“I am saying that is what has happened, and we have learnt from it ourselves,” said the defeated mampara.

Now that has to be one of the most expensive learning curves, as the government has been practising the annual New York ritual since at least 2011!