Mokonyane accuses Agrizzi of cultural insensitivity in State Capture testimony
Former Environmental Affairs Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane has accused former Bosasa Chief Operating Officer (COO), Angelo Agrizzi of being insensitive towards her family affairs during his explosive 2019 testimony at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
Mokonyane took the stand on Monday morning at the commission to respond to allegations against her by the former Bosasa COO.
Agrizzi alleged that Mokonaye had received cash payments and that the company paid for upgrades at her home.
Agrizzi also alleged that the company paid for her son’s funeral.
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Provincial police spokesperson, Mathapelo Peters, says a 33-year-old woman was also arrested in Mabopane a day after the video, after she was seen on video clips taken at the funeral, telling police and members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) to stand aside and let the large crowd attend the funeral in the north of Tshwane.
But Mokonyane has hit back, saying Agrizzi’s testimony was fraught with inaccuracies.
“On my personal attack and vilification, I take serious exception. I find it insensitive for Mr Agrizzi to claim that they paid the cost for the burial of my son and even family. He has other ulterior motives to which I do not know,” she said.
Mokonyane says Agrizzi undermined her family’s culture and downplayed her bereavement.
“To claim that Bosasa buried my son and family is so hurting, derogatory, and insensitive of Mr Agrizzi.
“We uphold our pride and cultural practices and one of those (is that) we bury our own. We take responsibility of our burial costs, we take full responsibility in line with our customs and our traditions," she added.
This is the first time Mokonyane appeared before the commission to defend the claims levelled against her.