The DA says that reports of disgraced ex-Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe, being sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) after the 9 February 2017 opening of Parliament, ‘is a step too far’.<\/p>\n
DA shadow minister of public enterprises, Natasha Mazzone, said that Molefe, who was found to be at the centre of State Capture in the Public Protector’s “State of Capture” report is not fit to hold office in parliament.<\/p>\n
“As an incoming MP, Molefe would have to swear loyalty to the Constitution and put the people of South Africa first, not Zuma or his administration.”<\/p>\n
The DA said that the appointment, should it happen, would be in line with the ANC modus operandi of shuffling loyal cadres around leadership positions in South Africa’s State Owned Entities, allowing them to earn extravagant “thank you for your obedience” bonuses.<\/p>\n
The DA noted that it has laid criminal charges against Molefe for the roles he is alleged to have played in State Capture. Further reports emerged last week involving locomotives that were purchased by Transnet which are allegedly highly problematic.<\/p>\n
“This will just add to the number of scandals Molefe has under his belt while holding the most senior positions in SOE’s,” Mazzone said.<\/p>\n
The MP pointed out that Molefe was found to have had 58 telephone interactions with Ajay Gupta between August 2015 and March 2016. His GPS records also indicate that he was in the Saxonworld area, home to the Gupta family estate, on many occasions. This spurred the now infamous “Saxonworld Shabeen” story that when called out on, caused Molefe to breakdown in tears at a press conference.<\/p>\n
“Parliament cannot be a dumping ground nor a thank-you playground for the failed and caught out, but loyal Zuma yes men,” Mazzone said.<\/p>\n