IFP CALLS ON PRESIDENT ZUMA TO FIRE MINISTER SHICEKA
The IFP has called on President Zuma to remove Cooperative Governance Minister Sicelo Shiceka from Cabinet, with immediate effect, following the Public Protector's report which finds him guilty of maladministration, dishonesty in respect of public money and improper conduct.
The IFP applauds Adv Thuli Madonsela for producing yet another credible report, which again underscores her unwavering commitment to our constitutional democracy. Her bold and courageous leadership in fighting crime, corruption and other abuses of power, even when it implicates the most powerful individuals in our society, is truly commendable.
These findings released today are yet another embarrassing blow to the credibility of the South African Government. President Zuma can no longer afford not to act against the rogue Ministers in his Cabinet. The President can no longer afford to be seen as protecting individuals who are corrupt, inept and who act unlawfully.
The conviction of Minister Cwele's wife on drug trafficking charges, the maladministration and corruption charges against Minister Mahlangu-Nkibande and the charges now leveled against Minister Shiceka is proof that the rot goes deep within the Zuma-administration.
Minister Shiceka has proven to have little respect for public funds. He has proven to have no respect for the Ministers ' Oath which requires Ministers to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic. He has proven to have little respect for the Office he occupies, and he has not acted with the honour and dignity one would expect from a Minister.
The IFP believes that if we want to decisively deal with the scourge of corruption in our country, which is seriously threatening our fledgling democracy, we must start by making sure that those in power are not dishonest people. Such a situation can never be tolerated as we strive to build a corruption-free country. Therefore, the IFP calls for decisive action against Minister Shiceka. President Zuma must show leadership by removing Minister Shiceka from his position forthwith.
This is yet another test for our constitutional democracy. If President Zuma fails to act on the Public Protector's report, his actions will make a mockery of all Chapter Nine institutions and our fight against corruption.
Statement issued by Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, IFP Chief Whip, October 14 2011
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