CORRUPTION Watch wants Gwede Mantashe removed from Cabinet.
Karam Singh, legal researcher from the non-profit organisation Fighting Against Corruption, said they expected the ANC chair and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister to follow in the footsteps of former health minister Zweli Mkhize and step aside.
He said law enforcement agencies should also take action against Mantashe.
“We saw the former minister of health step aside as a result of the Digital Vibes scandal. There haven’t been any charges laid. One would expect a similar type of treatment and for Mantashe to step aside and be removed from Cabinet while investigations proceed,” said Singh.
Mantashe has been fingered in Part 3 of the Zondo Commission report for having gained from Bosasa-sponsored security upgrades at his properties.
He has since denied the allegations and told the media on Wednesday that he was going nowhere until there is prima facie evidence that he unduly benefited from Bosasa.
“If there is no prima facie case and I step aside, then I am just impressing everybody else who wishes to see me stepping aside sooner. I will step aside when we move beyond this point,” said Mantashe.
Meanwhile, the DA wants the whole Cabinet removed.
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“The damning findings contained in the third volume of the report make it more urgent than ever that all South Africans unite behind the DA’s pending parliamentary motion of no confidence in the entire cabinet,” said party leader John Steenhuisen.
He said the implication was clear that if there was any hope to eradicate state capture, the ANC had to lose grip of political power.
“For the sake of South Africa, it is time for President Cyril Ramaphosa to choose our country over the criminal syndicate masquerading as a political party,” he said.
