The allegations made by Mr Moeletsi Mbeki at the Cape Town Press Club yesterday, 26 July are disappointing and baseless (see IOL report)..

Political analysts should challenge President Zuma on the work that government does and not resort to personal attacks which rather indicate deep-rooted bitterness.

The fight against crime and corruption is one of the five priorities of government during the current term of office and a lot has been achieved. The high levels of awareness in the country about corruption are indicative of the seriousness with which this scourge is treated. Government plays a leading role in raising this awareness through the actions of law enforcement agencies against corruption.

The President has directed the Special Investigating Unit to investigate a number of national and provincial government departments, municipalities and state-owned enterprises, which is an indication of zero tolerance against corruption. Several other state agencies are also focusing on rooting out this scourge. Allegations that the President or government are soft on corruption are baseless and mischievous.

With regards to the Public Protector report on police buildings leases, the President has to follow due process. He cannot deal with such a report in a haphazard or ad-hoc manner.  He will make his decisions or actions known once he has concluded the process.  We have no idea what gives people who are not even close to the process the audacity to start proclaiming that the President will not act on the recommendations or findings of the report.

Statement issued by Mr Mac Maharaj, Special Envoy and Spokesperson to the President, The Presidency, July 27 2011

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