Mr Duvenage was responding to Sanral’s spokesperson, Mr Vusi Mona’s comment that the DA is using e-tolling as an electioneering strategy and is continuously misrepresenting facts to win votes next year.
“Statements of this nature are seriously worrying, as they start to blur the line of separation between party and state. Sanral is an organ of the state. Its job is to provide services to citizens irrespective of their political affiliation. By making statements on the political activities of a political party, Sanral is drawing an organ of the state into the political arena and thereby undermining our democracy,” Mr Duvenage said.
He added that political parties and social organisations are able to comment on any government agencies, but the agencies are not allowed to comment on political parties’ pronouncements.
“If political entities are able to convince voters that they would be able to direct Sanral or a government agency in a manner more beneficial to the country’s citizens than the current ruling party, they are quite entitled to do so. Likewise, the ANC or any other political party is free to argue similar points. What is not acceptable is for state-run organisations themselves to become politically aligned. They should answer the queries and give factsbut never enter the space of political mudslinging,” he said.
An inquiry was sent to Sanral’s spokesperson, Mr Vusi Mona on Thursday, August 22 with a request for comment by Friday 23. At the time of going print, no comment was received.
