UPDATE: DA reports ‘unethical and rude’ MEC Mazibuko to IEC, Mazibuko apologises

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has hit back against the audio published by the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in which the Gauteng MEC for sports and recreation, Faith Mazibuko, is heard swearing at and threatening her staff members in demand of the erection of combi courts.

Combi courts are facilities used for a combination of sporting activities.

“We want to use it to campaign and win elections!” yells Mazibuko in the audio at one point. She also refers to her departmental budget funds as “my money”.

This came after one of her staff members could be heard stating that the combi courts may have to be rolled over to the next financial year while another confirmed this, adding that the team had looked into getting this done sooner but apparently could not because of due process.

“I want those five combi courts! How you do that? If it means you go and construct them with your hands, you better do it! No rollover of that money of combi courts!” she can be heard shouting.

The DA said in a statement: “It’s disturbing that the MEC demands that her staff members deliver combi courts so that she can use them to win votes for the ANC. She further tells her staff members to flaunt rules in order to ensure the delivery of the combi courts that she promised to communities.

ALSO READ: ANC MEC screams at staff – ‘I don’t want stories! I want combi courts! Or resign!’

“This recording clearly shows that this department is failing to adhere to the supply chain management process and that there is no accountability and transparency in tender processes. The goal is to win votes at all costs. This, again, shows the ANC’s disregard for the people’s money. The ANC is a criminal syndicate, which uses the people’s money to stay in power, enrich itself and people close to the organisation,” added the opposition party.

On this basis, the party has referred the recording to the IEC for it “to investigate the abuse of public money for party political purposes”.

The DA also criticised MEC Mazibuko’s treatment of employees, adding that it went against the Employment Act.

“This incident indicates how desperate the ANC in Gauteng is to win votes. Gauteng residents are tired of empty promises and the lack of service delivery from the failing ANC government.”

UPDATE: 

Mazibuko has since apologizsd for her conduct in an official statement.

“After deep personal reflections, I want to unreservedly apologise for the tone and improper language I used towards my Head of Department (HOD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO),” said Mazibuko in a statement.

She has also apologised to the province’s premier, whom she is set to meet with to discuss the audio.

“I humble myself and apologise to Premier Makhura and my colleagues in the provincial Cabinet for the harm caused. I am willing to subject myself to whatever appropriate sanction to be imposed on me by Premier Makhura and my organisation, the ANC,” added Mazibuko.