COSATU demands truth about allegations against Gauteng MEC

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is extremely concerned at the very serious allegations being made against Humphrey Mmemezi, Gauteng MEC for Local Government and Housing, of misuse of public funds for personal use.

The Star newspaper alleges that on 25 September 2011 Mmemezi spent R22 839 for clothes in India with his government credit card, another R31 000 on "party wear" and suits in Pramanik on 30 September and R4900 and R4500 for clothing at other shops in India (see report).

Mmemezi allegedly used the same credit card to purchase an art work worth R10 000 from fast food outlet McDonalds, a transaction which he allegedly disguised as a purchase for hamburgers.

Now there are further allegations that he used his government credit card to make a R400 overnight booking in the Cedar Lodge hotel in Krugersdorp - less than 5km from his home - on 17 January 2012. There have allegedly been similar bookings at hotels in Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria - despite these hotels being a few kilometres away from his house and that he is chauffeur-driven.

COSATU demands a response from the Minister and a full, thorough and independent investigation into these allegations of abuse of public funds. We want the public to be told whether or not they are true, and if proved true, for disciplinary and/or legal action to be taken against him.

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, May 23 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter