Outrage over Motsepe saying only SA’s educated can ‘look at the facts’

Patrice Motsepe has caused outrage on Twitter for comments which some have slammed as being insulting towards the poor.

The billionaire businessman was responding to reports that he would benefit from the unbundling of Eskom recently announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also happens to be his brother-in-law.

Motsepe was recounting words which late former president Nelson Mandela said to him.

“It’s appropriate to start with what Nelson Mandela said at [a] meeting,” he said, which according to Motsepe was: “You see, Patrice, whether you like it and accept it, you and others have become protectors of the system.”

READ MORE: Motsepe denies accusations that he will benefit from Eskom unbundling

“What he meant is that we have at all times to behave in a manner that is not just compliant with the law but also… which is ethical,” the businessman said. “But what is critically important [is also to] deal with perceptions.

“That’s why over the last twenty years it’s been important what we do as a family, it’s not just what the facts are, it’s not so much our compliance with the law. It’s how are you perceived – you know, this wealthy family, this wealthy person, when you mention our names in the minds of ordinary South Africans.”

It was then that Motsepe let slip with the comment that has drawn outrage: “… and be careful, we are not talking about your educated South Africans and even not so much your middle class because they can look at the facts and form an opinion …

“We are living in a time when it’s elections and lots of issues are going to be said but we are a democracy and even if I didn’t have these relatives in government I have a fundamental duty and an obligation not just to be transparent, but also to be ethical and accountable.”

Motsepe’s apparent view that “middle class” South Africans are better able to “look at the facts and form an opinion” than their poorer counterparts was not well received.

The backlash he received on Twitter included users who said what Motsepe said was insulting, that he was “trying to disrespect” the poor and that he was being “classist”.

One user said that if you’re poor you are “assumed stupid and gullible” as well as “constantly infantilised”.

Motsepe’s comments were made at a briefing to dispel allegations of nepotism after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his state of the nation address that Eskom would be unbundled into three entities.

The businessman denied claims that the unbundling of Eskom would benefit his firm African Rainbow Energy and Power.

(Additional reporting by Gopolang Chawane)

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