Note to Editors: Please note Dr Keeka, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has called on Premier, Thami Ntuli, to expedite an investigation into growing corruption allegations surrounding provincial Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane.
The call comes in the interests of the people of our province, who deserve a provincial Health department led by an individual untainted by corruption.
There are currently two claims which stand out, both of which are deeply concerning to the DA, if proved true.
• The first is that she allegedly pressured radio station, Vuma FM, into firing a presenter. The station quickly rubbished this claim in a public statement.
• Second – and more serious allegation – is that the MEC improperly benefited from her position as Chairperson of Agriculture and Rural Reform (DARD) in KZN by receiving funding for a farm, livestock and other perks. The claims against the MEC are supposedly linked to a family-owned company which, by her own admission, received a loan from Ithala Bank in 2008. The MEC admits the loan existed but claims no influence as she was a ‘junior official’ at the time. She also insists she left the company in 2004, before it received the loan.
The furore around the allegations has led to ActionSA, which has no representation in the KZN Legislature, predictably wading in, in an attempt to remain relevant. This while the MK Party, KZN’s supposed official opposition, has called for MEC Simelane to be removed based on media reports and evidence that is yet to be seen.
The DA reiterates its stand – that we support due process, not trial by media. In the event that hard evidence – which is credible, verifiable and legally sound – emerges, we will not hesitate to act. Until then, we will not join the current claims and counter-claims and will only act on cold, hard facts.
The DA remains a key and principled partner of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and remains committed to accountable, ethical governance in the interests of all our province’s people.