Hanekom: I will not be silenced
Former tourism minister Derek Hanekom says no amount of threats will stop him from speaking out against state capture.
"I will continue to oppose it because we have an obligation to, not only in the ANC," Hanekom said.
He was speaking at an event at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, amid reports that the African National Congress (ANC) wants to remove him as chairperson of the party's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).
The ANC MP has been a vocal critic of President Jacob Zuma and is part of a group of ANC MPs who indicated that they would vote in favour of the recent motion of no confidence in the president.
'We joined the ANC for one thing - to make our country a better country for everyone and that might tell you sufficiently why I remain where I am, fighting against state capture. I just want to give you this as an example; R182 million in the Free State province is allocated by one MEC to a dairy project that is in ruin. R30 million goes to pay for a lavish Gupta wedding. Surprise, surprise!
"Some of us stand up and say 'not in my name'. Those of us who are taking up the struggle within the ANC will not be intimidated by threats and letters," Hanekom said.
He echoed calls by other ANC leaders, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, for a judicial commission of enquiry to be established into state capture.
"We will not be intimidated by threats, letters or anything else."
Hanekom was referring to a letter written by ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe, asking him to explain his public utterances.
"We will continue, because we believe not only in the ANC but we believe in our country.
"We believe it is about the people, and the ANC should represent first and foremost the interests of the people," Hanekom said.