Mantashe backs Mkhize - ‘Give him time’

This follows the growing calls for Mkhize to step down from his top job pending investigations of alleged corruption. 

Mkhize is embroiled in a corruption scandal, with claims that he channelled state funds to long-time associate, spokesperson and family friend Tahera Mather.

Communications company Digital Vibes appointed two close associates of Mkhize as paid consultants after it secured a contract from the department -  one of the associates was Mather and the other was a former assistant to the minister, Naadhira Mitha.

Mkhize has denied any wrongdoing on his part. 

Despite claims he had no part in the dodgy tender, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has also called for Mkhize’s head.

But Mantashe believes it’s too soon to take action.

“What they should be asking for is for Zweli [Mkhize] to allow investigations of the allegations,” said Mantashe on Thursday evening.

“Now if we were to listen to [John] Steenhuisen every time he says somebody must be fired, then we’re be left with nobody.

“Issues must be investigated, we establish the truth and we take action.”

Mantashe delivered a political lecture on ‘Revolutionary Morality’, hosted by the ANC Sarah Baartman Region in the Eastern Cape as part of the region's ongoing political programme.

He admitted the party’s step-aside resolution has been a thorn in their side, but added it could yield positive results if followed.

“That resolution is lifting the bar for revolutionaries; it is not a tool to target individuals,” he said. 

“The assumption made by conferences is that revolutionaries will have a conscience of their own and therefore stepping aside will be a voluntary action.”

“The moral fibre is weakening, the character of the movement is weakening.

“We opened the window for fresh air to come in, mosquitos also came in and the discomfort caused by those mosquitoes is inside the organisation.”

Watch Mantashe below:

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