Premier must wait for Public Protector to rule on ethics violations

The appointment by the Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, of two MECs who face ethics violation allegations is cause for serious concern.

Both the newly appointed MEC for Finance, Ms Elsabe Rockman, and MEC for Health, Dr Benny Malakoane, have been linked to alleged unethical and possibly illegal practices in the Free State government.

Currently, National Treasury is investigating the communication contracts of the Free State government, in which Ms Rockman features prominently. Over the past 3 years, Premier Magashule and Ms Rockman (as Director General) have awarded several lucrative government advertising contracts  under reportedly irregular circumstances. 

A 2010 Commission of Enquiry made incriminating allegations against Dr Malakoane, who is accused of bankrupting the Matjhabeng Local Municipality by entering into fraudulent and irregular contracts with service providers; some of which he was alleged to have financial interests in.

We have requested an ethics investigation by the Public Protector into these matters. 

The Premier has cast doubt over the integrity of his cabinet and his government by appointing such questionable figures to key positions. 

The Public Protector must investigate whether Ms Rockman, Dr Malakoane or indeed Premier Magashule himself have violated any laws.

Until there is clarity on the outcome of this pending investigation, these individuals are not appropriate candidates for high public office.

Statement issued by Patricia Kopane, DA leader in the Free State, March 12 2013

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