Statement from the Office of the Deputy President

18 February 2024

The Office of the Deputy President has noted the article published by the Sunday World today, on 18 February 2024.

The allegations that the Deputy President and his Chief of Staff are protecting the Deputy President’s Spokesperson are false.

The Deputy President has been briefed by the Chief of Staff that a letter of intention to suspend Mr Mde in light of the allegations made against him was issued and hand delivered to the Spokesperson Mr Vukani Mde.

The Deputy President is aware that there is a process underway in the Presidency to investigate the allegations made against Mde by one of the senior employees in the office, and is of the view that all due processes should be adhered to. 

The Deputy President condemns any form of gender based violence especially against women and also believes that all employees should be protected from any kind of victimisation.  

The Office of the Deputy President wishes to assure that this matter is given the necessary attention it deserves and will provide an update in due course.

Issued by The Presidency, 18 February 2024