Prominent South Africans have their say on Sars Wars
Prominent South Africans, including politicians, took to social media to weigh in on the Sars Wars debacle that has made headlines this week.
That's after the Hawks summoned Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and former Sars officials to present themselves at the Hawks' offices on Thursday for warning statements in connections with the so-called Sars 'Rogue Unit'.
Former Sars officials Ivan Pillay and Johann van Loggerenberg presented themselves, but Gordhan refused.
The finance minister released a statement on Wednesday, saying he had taken legal counsel and has been advised that he is under no legal obligation to comply with the Hawks' request.
The Presidency released a statement yesterday in which it said President Jacob Zuma could not stop the Hawks' investigation.
Prominent South Africans were quick to voice their opinions:
Why is @MYANC so quite? Hope all those who wanted us to give our vote to the @MYANC are happy now. They want to collapse the state period...
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) August 25, 2016
We call on Pravin Gordhan to rethink his position and present himself to the Hawks. We believe in his innocence until proven otherwise...
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) August 24, 2016
Instead of humbling Prez Zuma, the election result has only made him more desperate and determined to stay in power and out of jail.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) August 24, 2016
Word is, that Pravin is filing papers in the High court today re oakbay et al.The war between Treasury & Zuma inc only has one casualty-SA
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) August 25, 2016
DA calls for debate of national importance in Parliament on Zuma’s Gordhan witch-hunt - https://t.co/7smRNkeUOI
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) August 25, 2016
As between Gordahn and Dudu Myeni, Zuma applying Putin playbook: "for my friends everything, for my enemies the law."
— Tony Leon (@TonyLeonSA) August 25, 2016
Many say the problem is Zuma. So they go out there campaign & vote ANC. No, the problem is an ANC that reproduces & keeps a Zuma at its helm
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) August 24, 2016
I am sick & Tired of Zuma & his cronies destruction of SA. Time for Bus. Leadership SA, BUSA & SA citizens to stand up. #HandsOffPravin
— Wayne Duvenage (@wayneduv) August 24, 2016
BREAKING: Jacob Zuma has a new website just for the next phase of his presidency: https://t.co/xC5xz6AZQq.
— Mr. Missing (@chestermissing) August 26, 2016
Jacob Zuma doesn't think he has the power to stop home extensions. How do you fools think he'll be able to stop a Hawks investigation?!
— Mr. Missing (@chestermissing) August 25, 2016
Well now we KNOW Jacob Zuma thinks he's Jesus.
— Mr. Missing (@chestermissing) August 24, 2016
State capturers have become so brazen with their total disregard for our rule of law and our constitution.
— Mosiuoa Lekota (@MTLekota) August 25, 2016
I believe the Hawks move forms part of the strategy to remove all honest citizens from critical institutions and replace them with 'yes men'
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) August 25, 2016
I can't help but believe that the latest Hawks move on Gordhan is informed by the same political strategy that saw the dismissal of Nene
— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) August 25, 2016
We should not forget that our struggle was joined by many people around the world. They expect better from us. These people were in the AAM.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) August 24, 2016
Go Minister #Gordhan https://t.co/HhTOgQ4K4O
— Zackie Achmat (@ZackieAchmat) August 24, 2016