ANC shocked at Zille's breach of laws
The Western Cape ANC says DA leader Helen Zille is clutching onto last straws as she is fighting for her political life. This is in reaction to Zille's desperate attacks on the Public Protector's averred detrimental findings against her.
The ANC has noted widespread news reports that indicate a possible negative finding looms in the multimillion Rand communication contract scandal in the Western Cape department of the premier.
The ANC is alarmed that premier Zille is in breach of the confidentiality on the interim report, while at the same time it is shocked by her arrogant attitude.
"Instead of Zille being the champion of a clean administration free of corruption, she rants on to attack the integrity of the Public Protector who is empowered by the Constitution to investigate any suspicions of corruption and maladministration," says the ANC provincial secretary Songezo Mjongile.
The ANC calls on Zille to immediately retract and apologise for her irresponsible statements, and to observe the set process by the Public Protector to investigate the allegations against her provincial government.
"Zille attempts to circumvent and undermine the work of the Public Protector by intimidating and discrediting one of our democracy's valuable watchdog institutions. It is untenable that the intolerant and illiberal Zille only wants praise singing, and cannot stand criticism or deal with her own shortcomings and her administration's shame.
"Zille should lead by example and instead of once again wasting taxpayer money to buy legal opinions to suit her; she should invest that money into improving the capacity of public administration," Mjongile added.
The ANC maintained from the start that premier Zille as elected head of this DA-controlled provincial government is politically responsible and legally vicariously liable as she appointed the officials in the spotlight, and they also directly report to her.
Zille now fights for her political life as she vowed to resign if anything is wrong in the communication contract. She came out to defend the process and her staff, saying she should rather be the target of the scrutiny and criticism.
The ANC is disappointed that she drags the matter into the media instead of dealing with it the proper way.
The ANC prepares a submission and will issue its final response to the Public Protector once due process is concluded.
Statement issued by ANC Western Cape Provincial Secretary Songezo Mjongile, May 14 2012
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