EFF calls for immediate removal of Pravin Gordhan following Auditor General’s damning report
5 May 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calls for the immediate removal of Pravin Gordhan as Minister of Public Enterprises for his deliberate destruction of strategic state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In the light of the damning findings presented in the recent Auditor General's report, the EFF feels vindicated as the report emphatically demonstrates Gordhan's incompetence in managing the nation's public enterprises.
The Auditor General's presentation reveals a disastrous tenure for Gordhan, characterized by rampant corruption, mismanagement, and financial loss across key SOEs. This level of incompetence cannot be ignored, and it is imperative that Gordhan be held accountable for his actions. The EFF believes that he has failed in his duty as a custodian of the public trust and must be removed from his position with immediate effect.
The report highlights several instances of maladministration and poor governance at state-owned enterprises such as Eskom, South African Airways (SAA), and Transnet, which have suffered massive financial losses under Gordhan's watch. The EFF is deeply concerned about the long-term impact of such mismanagement on South Africa's economy and the livelihoods of our citizens. We can no longer afford to have individuals like Gordhan in positions of power, as they have proven to be detrimental to the nation's interests.
The EFF has long been vocal about Gordhan's incompetence and has repeatedly called for his removal. This report not only validates our position but also underscores the urgent need for decisive action. As the nation's leading opposition party, we demand that President Cyril Ramaphosa take immediate steps to remove Gordhan from office and appoint a competent and capable individual who can salvage our struggling public enterprises.
South Africa's public enterprises are the backbone of our economy, and their deterioration under Gordhan's watch is a clear indication of his inability to manage these critical institutions. The EFF is committed to fighting for a just and prosperous South Africa, and we believe that the first step towards achieving this goal is by ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
It is worth noting that President Ramaphosa and Gordhan came into power on a ticket of clean government and a commitment to rooting out corruption. However, the evidence presented in the Auditor General's report clearly demonstrates that their mantra was all an act, and they are not genuine about anything. This deception has caused immense damage to the nation, and it is time for a change in leadership.
In conclusion, the EFF reiterates its call for the immediate removal of Pravin Gordhan as Minister of Public Enterprises.
However, we must emphasize that while we recognize the urgent need to remove Gordhan, we do not have confidence in Ramaphosa and view him as an imposter who should have long vacated the Union Buildings. It was once his intention to do so after he was caught with Phala Phala dollars, yet he remains in power. The EFF will continue to fight for the economic emancipation of our people and calls upon all citizens to join us in this fight for a better future.
Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 5 May 2023
