Travelgate: Nyami Booi must resign as MP and Committee Chair

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the admission of guilt by former ANC chief whip and current chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Nyami Booi, MP with regards to his involvement in the Travelgate scandal. It is commendable that he has admitted to his indiscretion. Mr Booi must now take responsibility for his actions and resign his chairmanship of the Portfolio Committee and as a Member of Parliament. He cannot continue in either position with this cloud hanging over his head.  

Mr Booi today pleaded guilty to theft, was fined R50 000 or a five year jail term. His agreement with the prosecution stated that he had made "full restitution" to Parliament. He admitted to using R92 000 worth of travel vouchers for car rental and hotel accommodation worth R20 000.

Mr Booi's admission of guilt has a broader context. It comes against a recent series of statements by President Zuma and the Ministers in the Presidency to increase accountability and stamp out corruption. When President Zuma launched the Presidential hotline he said he wished to create "an ethos of accountability". Mr Booi has a chance now to make that commitment a reality and has a duty to demonstrate that Jacob Zuma's new administration in general, and he in particular is committed to the principles that underlie good governance and the idea that South Africa's public representatives be beyond reproach. Accountability counts for nothing if it is not accompanied by consequences.

The public service and those people elected to represent South African citizens must at all times uphold the law and fairly represent the faith that has been invested in them.

Mr Booi can no longer, in good faith, do this.

Statement issued by Mike Ellis, MP, Democratic Alliance deputy chief whip, September 28 2009

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