Cabinet Ministers, Blade Nzimande, Thulas Nxesi and ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, have rejected the bribery claims levelled against them by Professor Mthunzi Mdwaba as defamatory.
The controversial businessman and scholar is accusing government officials of trying to solicit a R500 million bribe from a R5 billion UIF deal to create jobs.
Mdwaba claims he was approached by three high-ranking government officials who solicited the bribe, claiming they were sent by the implicated ministers.
Where there is smoke, there is a huge🔥🔥!! I am not moved by drama and theatrics – I have been the boss of all employers in the world for Heaven’s sake in the @UnitedNationss_ @ilo I have seen every trick in the world!!!! Bring it on!!!! https://t.co/UJS4NfBxVl
— Prof Mthunzi Mdwaba (@Tzoro1) November 10, 2023
Mbalula has since opened a case of crimen injuria against Mdwaba, seeking that he retracts the alleged defamatory statements made against him.
He says it has become too easy to soil one another with the corruption tag in the South African political parlance.
“It is in my considered view, and I remain steadfast in that my image and my dignity as a human being has been dented by this reckless and unfounded utterances by Mthunzi Mdwaba. It is further my view that this distasteful depiction violated my right to dignity as contained in the constitution of our country.”
The ANC top official says he sent his lawyers to furnish Mdwaba with a letter of demands.
“Should he fail to retract all his malicious and defamatory statements about me, my legal team will approach our courts to compel him and seek appropriate relief,” says Mbalula.
“Our society, our families, our children should not be subjected to acrimonious, malicious and reckless statements, causing irreparable, emotional and psychological harm,” he added.
Nzimande to issue cease-and-desist letter
Minister Blade Nzimande is planning on serving a cease-and-desist letter for defamation to Professor Mdwaba.
He says the allegations are not only false, but have also caused substantial harm to his reputation and well-being.
Nzimande says he is prepared to take all necessary legal actions to protect his rights and seek damages for the harm caused.
The Minister is demanding that Mdwaba immediately cease to making any further defamatory; issue a formal written apology within seven days and refrain from making any false statements about the Minister to any third parties.
Minister Nzimande has also requested those who have received the defamatory statements from Mdwaba to disregard them.
He says should Mdwaba fail to comply with his demands, he will have no option but to take legal action against him.
‘Targeted for stopping an unlawful tender’
Minister Nxesi claims Mdwaba started attacking him two years ago after they withdrew support for his candidacy for the position of International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Nxesi says Mdwaba’s latest attack comes after he stopped the scholar’s suspicious R5 billion tender.
“This is false and without foundation not one iota of evidence is provided in what is a self-seeking attempt to divert attention from the issues around the R5 billion Thuja scheme.”
Here is Thulas’ official statement:https://t.co/3KQlxGkZqd
— His Excellency Ngqolomsila (@TheZingOne) November 10, 2023
Mdwaba has labelled Minister Nxesi a chronic liar.
He has also threatened to release WhatsApp messages exposing the minister’s alleged lies.
South Africans are divided on who to believe.
While some say there might be an element of truth to Mdwaba’s claims, others are concerned about the businessman’s checkered past.
My love for reading often lends me in interesting places. Sometime ago, I came across this judgment. It was an application brought by Mavuso Msimang. It’s a scathing judgment on Mthunzi Mdwaba as it declared him a DELINQUENT DIRECTOR back in 2012… pic.twitter.com/yR2R8mnCBp
— Zolani Simayi (@zsimayi) November 10, 2023
Mdwaba will get arrested. Anyone without a trained eye can see fake.
For reference: “Reasons why you should not trust screenshots” by LaChief is the best 30 seconds people will learn.
No one in their right minds would discuss a R500m share on WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/bhKOOwXeE7
— Sean-Vincent Mofokeng (@PhokaTSV) November 10, 2023
The truth will always prevail! You have spoken your truth, the ones who want to listen instead of harass you will listen. https://t.co/2Po0lPERIG
— Noluthando (@CKopolo) November 8, 2023
@Tzoro1 Yours is the breed that’s very rare, if at all existing! Beside your moral stance, I really admire how you intelligently handle this whole matter.. All the best, Prof.
— thabo pepenene (@thabo_pepenene) November 7, 2023
@Tzoro1 I stand by you and what you stand for. I totally understand your frustrations because I know the characters of the people you have to contend with in and outside the corrupt government and its officials at all levels. Stay strong…we have your back in the background
— der Ökonom🇿🇦🇩🇪🇨🇠(@RaeRalp) November 8, 2023
Mr Mthunzi Mdwaba must be on the money. Why are all ministers and their SG panicking? ANC is never this shaken by allegations of corruption. pic.twitter.com/QQ0MwhCH5q
— LADY M³💜 (@MapulaMokgosang) November 10, 2023
Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza
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