EFF STATEMENT ON SACC AND KATHRADA FOUNDATION

Thursday, 21 November, 2018

The EFF rejects the distortions peddled by the South African Council of Churches, as well as the Kathrada Foundation, in their petty defence of Pravin Gordhan. These two bodies never released any statements when it was revealed that Pravin Gordhan lied to parliament regarding ever meeting with the Guptas. Yet, when we demand accountability in relation to Gordhan, following the double standards in ethical judgment by the media and ANC, the two bodies now step in, in his defence.

The SACC deliberately misleads the people of South Africa by saying that the EFF and the CIC, Julius Malema, are attacking the Zondo Commission of enquiry. This is a blatant lie from men and women of the cloth. Our unequivocal disapproval of the Zondo Commission being held at Tiso Black Star, the Head Quarters of Sunday Times, Business Day, Financial Mail and Sowetan, must never be reduced to an attack on the work of the commission.

We make no apology that there is no integrity in holding a hearing in a media house, when you are investigating the Gupta corruption which was also facilitated through media houses they owned, i.e. New Age.

We reiterate that Pravin Gordhan lied to parliament and it is deplorable, to say the least, that this lying man is being defended by the clergy and a struggle veteran foundation. It is inconceivable to imagine that Ahmed Kathrada could have gone to Robben Island for his legacy to be abused in defence of liars who undermine an oath of office.

No one is going to intimidate us into submission from holding Gordhan accountable.

Gordhan must answer all questions we gave him through parliament. He must speak about how he was appointed as finance minister, whether he has a bank account in Canada or any of his relatives and whether he plans to retire in Canada.

Statement issued by Economic Freedom Fighters, 22 November 2018