Ndabeni-Abrahams was collecting protective gear, says Manana
Former higher education minister Mduduzi Manana says Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams was at his home on Sunday to collect personal protective equipment.
This comes after pictures of himself, his family and Ndabeni-Abrahams having lunch on Sunday amid the national lockdown caused an uproar.
READ: Suspect arrested for Soweto teen’s murder, rape
The Instagram post was later deleted.
Manana released a statement on Tuesday in an attempt to clarify the details of Ndabeni-Abrahams’ visit to his home.
The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee members says he received a call from Ndabeni-Abrahams, who was visiting a site in Fourways where students were working on Covid-19 digital services.
“The minister relayed to me that the students are in need of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and hand sanitisers which my foundation has been handing over to marginalised communities. I then asked her to pass by my private residence and collect the material which she gladly did."
He adds that his family was having lunch so he invited the minister to join them.
"On hindsight, it was irresponsible to post a picture without giving a clear context and thereby creating an impression that it was a social lunch. For this, we profusely apologise."
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since indicated he will be meeting with Ndabeni-Abrahams to discuss the pictures posted by Manana.