The ANC Veterans’ League is opposing the awarding of the Order of Ikhamanga to film and television producer Duma Ndlovu.
On Friday next week, President Cyril Ramaphosa will confer national orders on various leaders including former University of Cape Town vice-chancelor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza, and Springbok player Siya Kolisi, among others.
Ndlovu is among the recipients who will be awarded the Silver Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to the film and television industry.
However, the veterans’ league is disappointed with the decision to award Ndlovu, citing his involvement in the capture of the SA Revenue Service (SARS) when Jacob Zuma was the head of state.
Ndlovu is accused of being part of a team of advisers that supported the former president, which is said to have laid the groundwork for the state capture project.
He is also said to have introduced Zuma to Vittorio Massone, a former managing partner at Bain and Company, which was involved in fraud and corruption at SARS.
Snuki Zikalala, convenor of the league’s national task team, said Ndlovu’s alleged involvement is enough to discredit him, noting that his name should only be considered when and if he is cleared of the allegations.
“This is because of allegations of Duma Ndlovu’s involvement in matters that led to the debilitation and capture of the [SARS] during the Zuma’s administration, as is contained in [Chief Justice Raymond] Zondo Commission Report.
“As a result, they [the league] have written to the chancellor of the national orders and director-general in the Presidency, Ms Phindile Baleni, asking that [Ndlovu’s] name be withdrawn until and if his involvement in state capture has been clarified,” said Zikalala.
The veterans’ league is of the view that national orders should only be awarded to recipients who played a crucial role in fighting apartheid and constructing democracy.
“The veteran’s league believes that the national orders are of a very prestigious nature and should only be awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid and the building of our democracy.
“The awarding of a national order to Duma Ndlovu would significantly tarnish the reputation of these awards.”
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