EFF statement on the Pravin Gordhan debacle with the Hawks

25 August 2016 

The Economic Freedom Fighters reiterates the previously shared position that the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan should, at most, cooperate with the investigation process conducted by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, over the establishment and operations of the  National Research Group (rogue spy unit) at the South African Receiver of Revenue (SARS). 

The EFF notes the unrelenting pursuit of criminalising the Minister of Finance by factions of the ANC who are seemingly gunning for Treasury under the instruction of the Gupta family.  This however, does not justify Pravin Gordhan from cooperating with the Hawks. We all should not be seen to defy institutions of the state, as this will render them useless. To refuse to present himself to the Hawks will be to act with the same disrespect shown by Zuma and his faction to institutions of the state. No one, even if they be Finance Minister or President, is above institutions of the sate. 

We call on Pravin Gordhan to rethink his position and present himself to the Hawks. If he be innocent, which we believe he is, there is nothing the Hawks can do. The last thing we need is anyone being treated as if they are above the law. At all times, we ought to respect institutions of the state and uphold them above individuals who may be at their helm.

Issued by Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi, National Spokesperson, EFF, 25 August 2016