Molefe’s ‘handlers’ will ‘finally’ get the deal they want – Save SA

The appointment of former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe as a member of parliament (MP) has sent shockwaves through the political terrain.

Sipho Pityana’s activist group, Save SA, says the alleged Gupta-aligned Molefe will allow his “handlers” to have access to the public purse. The organisation also says this decision by the ANC to appoint Molefe as an MP will give his “handlers” a chance to sign the controversial nuclear deal, “with all its kickbacks”.

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela revealed startling evidence that Molefe is not only a friend of the controversial Gupta family alleged to be trying to capture the state, but he allowed a highly questionable coal deal to be signed in their favour while he was Eskom’s CEO. Atul Gupta also told Madonsela that Molefe is a “very good friend”.

Molefe quit Eskom in tears following the release of Madonsela’s State of Capture report.

Save SA said: “Brian Molefe’s pending appointment as a member of parliament is living proof that the Zuma administration does not punish corrupt conduct – it rewards it.

“Molefe’s handlers may soon have unfettered access to the public purse.

“They will finally be able to sign off on the trillion-rand nuclear deal, with all its kickbacks. They will be able to divert even more money into their pockets from public tenders, and be able to use state-owned companies as their personal piggy-banks.

“It is no over-statement to say that Molefe’s appointment marks a potential turning point for the state capture project. And it must be stopped. Political parties have a duty to chose MPs whose ethics and track records are beyond reproach.

“MPs who are committed to accountability and clean governance must be deeply offended by this appointment, and so must honest members of the ANC Alliance. Three months after quitting his post in disgrace, the former Eskom CEO is now just one step away from being a Cabinet minister.

“As Save South Africa, we will be mobilising an increasing number of civil society formations to protest against this latest move by the architects of state capture, and organising town hall meetings in communities most affected by the looting associated with state capture.”