In the aftermath of this week’s dramatic arrest of Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, the director general in the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, the ANC in the province on Friday said it will not make any calls for the senior government official to fall on her sword.
Mkhize, who was arrested together with suspended Mhlathuze Water CEO Mthokozisi Duze, CFO Babongile Mnyandu, lawyer Sthembiso Mhlanga, Simphiwe Mabaso and Thabiso Khumalo, are charged in relation to shenanigans which took place at the government water entity. They are charged with fraud, intimidation and obstructing the course of justice.
In a media briefing held at the Pixley ka Isaka Seme House, the ruling party’s provincial headquarters secretary, Bheki Mtolo, said the party would wait for the court process to run its course.
“We can’t write our own constitution. A person is not guilty until found otherwise by the court of law. The ANC will wait for the court process before making any pronouncements,” said Mtolo.
The state alleges that Mkhize was a key mover in facilitating a meeting with the board and Mabaso, who referred to himself as a member of the National Intelligence. She is accused of calling board chairperson Thabi Shange and instructing her to expect a call from Mabaso. The intention was apparently to foil the forensic investigation from going on, in order to protect those who were implicated. The probe, which was commissioned last year and concluded in March, discovered that a number of multimillion rand contracts were awarded to hand-picked companies without following proper procurement procedures, leading to the institution losing money.
The ANC also said it will spearhead the move to give the new AmaZulu king MisiZulu kaZwelithini a platform to address the opening of the provincial legislature despite the outcry over the exorbitant costs involved.
“The issue here is about undermining our culture and the institution of traditional leadership. There is a serious campaign from other people to make our culture less important as much as possible. They always throw the issue of costs when it comes to the issue of traditional leadership,” he said.
He added that the provincial executive committee had also taken a decision to engage Isilo (MisuZulu) to have his input on whether it was feasible to dedicate one day for both events.
“It’s a protocol issue, the Monarch is very important and so is the head of government,” said Mtolo.
Over the years, it has been customary that the opening of the legislature will run for two days, the first day is reserved for the Zulu king’s address and the second for the state-of-the province address, delivered by the Premier.
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