The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has taken note, with great concern, of the Sunday Times' latest report of shenanigans involving the now discredited ICT Indaba, and the alleged dubious involvement of the Communications Minister Dina Pule.

Today's revelations that Minister Dina Pule's boyfriend, Phosane Mngqibisa, was paid R6-million in management fees for doing nothing, is just the latest in a string of alleged failures, indiscretions, extravagances, questionable actions and lack of leadership, indulgently glossed over or even exonerated and executed by Minister Pule.

In light of the new revelations, the IFP believes that, if President Zuma is committed to an accountable and transparent Cabinet, the Presidency should launch its own urgent investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the ICT Indaba.

This seemingly 'blank cheque' approach towards the spending of public funds cannot be tolerated. Too many South Africans are suffering in poverty and extreme hardship. It would be immoral to overlook misconduct on the part of ministers.

Furthermore, we call on the Public Protector to take note of the latest revelations in the ICT Indaba saga and finalize her investigation into this matter urgently.

If Minister Pule is guilty, she needs to be shown the door. Ministers, after all, are supposed to be guardians of the public purse and their various portfolios and thus have an obligation to raise the bar in respect of good conduct and ethical behaviour.

ISSUED BY:

Ms Liezl van der Merwe MP

IFP Spokesperson on Communications