MORE REASONS FOR MMEMEZI TO GO

New accusations are reported today against Gauteng Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi, yet he still remains in office.

The DA's Mmemisi Monitor (see www.da-gpl.co.za) records that it is now 38 days since his misspending on his government credit card was revealed, including buying a R10 000 painting at a McDonald's restaurant.

According to reports today, his department spent more than R200 million from its human settlements conditional grant  to pay security and publishing companies.

Exorbitant amounts have been spent on security instead of housing and associated infrastructure.

This includes R330 000 spent on security at Mmemezi's private home, and nearly R8 million on CCTV cameras for his office.

The DA has argued that the evidence is sufficiently compelling for him to be fired immediately without awaiting a long process of investigation.

At the ANC's policy conference, ANC Gauteng provincial secretary David Makhura has made a call for all ANC members facing disciplinary charges to "step aside until processes have been completed".

Mmemezi is a test case, but he refuses to step down and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane is cowardly in not dismissing him forthwith.

If the ANC wishes to improve its image, they should take firm action against Mmemezi, who is protected because he is a Jacob Zuma supporter and has a strong internal ANC power base.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, June 29 2012

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