‘My reputation and standing was challenged’ - Lesufi accepts City Press apology
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has accepted an apology from Sunday
newspaper City Press following an article claiming he was part of a “secret
tender meeting.”
The newspaper on Sunday retracted its story that Lesufi was involved in a secret meeting to discuss departmental tenders.
"Whilst I acknowledge the damage done by the article, I also wish to reiterate my support for media freedom and independence. My reputation and standing was challenged,” Lesufi said in a statement.
"To all those who insulted and labelled me, I unreservedly forgive you. We condemn people who use the media for nefarious reasons.
“To those who believed in my innocence when my integrity and credibility was put into doubt, I remain deeply indebted to you.
"This unequivocal apology has laid this matter to rest. We can now focus on our core mandate of providing quality education in Gauteng."
The department’s Steve Mabona says the meeting in question was held in May 2020.
"They also acknowledged that it was indeed, a community meeting attended by SGB, learner formations, business forums, school principals, and community policing forum, held in May 2020 not in February 2021, as erroneously reported.
"The MEC explained on how contracts were advertised in government in general which is what we have been saying all along to all media houses."
The damage is done. My reputation and standing challenged. To all those who insulted me and labelled me I unreservedly forgive you. When you throw mud to me I will always throw soap to clean it. To those who believed in my innocence I remain deeply indebted to you. I’m still hurt pic.twitter.com/hfujofRwfD
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 18, 2021