DA WELCOME ANNOUNCMENT THAT KZN PREMIER WILL TURN STATE WITNESS - 19 July 2011

MEDIA reports confirming that KZN Premier, Zweli Mkhize will testify as state witness against two of his provincial cabinet members, charged with fraud and corruption relating to the Intaka scandal, have been welcomed by the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (see report).

DA KZN Leader, Sizwe Mchunu said that while the DA welcomed the announcement, it remained concerned by claims of the Premier's involvement in the procurement of water purification plants to the value of R44 million, while circumventing proper tender processes.  Mchunu's comments come after recent media reports, which allege that Mkhize's signature appears on two important documents relating to the Intaka deal.

"The DA is concerned by these claims and also by the Premier's apparent unwillingness to take a strong stand against KZN Economic Development MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu and provincial speaker, Peggy Nkonyeni by suspending them with immediate effect. Both are in positions of great public trust. 

While their arrests remain outstanding and they are yet to be found guilty by a court of law, the fact remains that they are not fit to hold positions of public office with such serious charges hanging over their heads.  The DA is disappointed by the Premier's stance on the matter and questions the motive behind his reluctance to suspend both parties."

Statement issued by Sizwe Mchunu, MPP, Leader of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, July 19 2011

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