ANC backs Majodina, Dyantyi amid Mkhwebane extortion claims
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party supports two of its lawmakers accused of extortion.
The party’s parliamentary chief whip Pemmy Majodina, the late Tina Joemat-Petterson, and the section 194 inquiry chairperson Richard Dyantyi were fingered by suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwabane as being part of an alleged ploy to extort R600 000 from her.
Briefing media in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mbalula said that during its meeting, the national working committee (NWC) had noted the allegations levelled against its members.
Last month, Mkhwebane released the audio recording – purportedly of a conversation between Joemat-Petterson and her husband – claiming that the late MP had tried to solicit a bribe for herself, Majodina, and Dyantyi for the trio to influence the outcome of the impeachment proceedings against her.
LISTEN: Mkhwebane makes public 'bribery, extortion' recordings
Mbalula said the committee had noted the recordings and that the party condemns and distances itself from any attempt to undermine constitutional processes. However, he said they were concerned by the allegations.
“The ANC views the recordings purporting to reflect statements by the late comrade Joemat- Petterson with concern. Regrettably, she is no longer in a position to explain or account for the allegations made against her.”
READ: Inquest docket opened into Joemat-Petterson death - police
He added that the party was equally concerned by the “attacks” on Majodina and Dyantyi based on what he said were uncorroborated claims.
“The ANC is also concerned that the reputations of the chief whip and the chairperson of the inquiry are being subjected to attacks on the basis of hearsay evidence devoid of any independent corroboration,” he said.
Mbalula said the NWC remains confident in the pair’s leadership and supports their cooperation with the Parliamentary ethics committee and the party’s internal processes.
He passed his condolences to the family of the late Joemat-Petterson and other party members who have died recently.
RESPECT THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR
At the same time, Mbalula has called on the public to respect the acting public protector and her office.
This follows disruptions of acting PP Kholeka Gcaleka’s address and a University of KwaZulu-Natal event last week, by students demanding the release of the Phala Phala report.
“Respect for the rule of law is non-negotiable; for this reason, the ANC condemns, in the strongest terms, the booing of the public protector whose office is critical – as per her constitutional mandate – in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
“We make this clarion call for the respect of the public protector and the office she occupies, at all times =, as she discharges her duties.”
Gcaleka has been accused of partiality in her handling of the Phala Phala investigation into the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s private farm.
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