Manyi not competent to serve on the Media Development and Diversity Agency

 "The Freedom Front Plus finds it worrying that Jimmy Manyi has been appointed by President Jacob Zuma to serve on the Board of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA). Manyi is known for his racist views with regards to minorities and was responsible for the creation of racial polarisation through his proposed labour policies during his term as director general of the department of Labour," Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson on Communication for the FF Plus said.

"In addition there is constantly conflict between his government positions which he holds and his personal affairs, not to mention his attempts to influence the Norwegian ambassador to get involved in black economic empowerment transactions, for which he was eventually suspended as director general in the department of Labour. This background makes him totally incompetent to serve on the board of the MDDA," Alberts added.

"Board members of the Agency have to act independently and impartially and given Manyi's past and his current position as government spokesperson, it is impossible for him to meet these criteria. That is why we are calling on the President to withdraw the appointment," was the opinion of Alberts.

The FF Plus in April 2011 laid a complaint with the Public Service Commission to investigate a possible conflict of interests and to determine whether he had declared all his interests. The Public Service Commission is at present still busy with the investigation.

The FF Plus has always maintained that Manyi is not suitable to hold any public position.

Statement issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Communication, January 19 2012

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