Note to Editors: This statement follows the sitting of the IFP’s National Executive Committee. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the IFP sits every Monday to discuss issues facing the country and the party.
On SOE Bailouts:
The IFP NEC strongly believes that a sustainable public-private funding solution must be sought by National Treasury for SOE Bailouts.
An estimated R102 billion needed for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed R43 billion stimulus package and R59 billion bailout package for SOE’s begs the question of how this will be financed.
It is certainly not just a lack of financial planning but an issue of poor leadership, poor management and lack of accountability and transparency at our SOEs.
The IFP holds firm that entities which only benefit a minority of our population such as SAA should be financed with a public-private partnership model.
Other entities which serve in the national interest and the majority of South Africans such as Eskom may be assisted by the State.
Our country is already heavily burdened by debt, such bailouts will not address the root cause of the problems faced at our SOEs but merely blanket and cushion the corrupt and cronies linked closely to the ANC.
Bailouts without strategic and sustainable reasons are tantamount to throwing financial solutions to non-financial problems.
On Deputy President David Mabuza:
The IFP NEC is of the view that allegations, through the New York Times, which have surfaced and levelled against Deputy President David Mabuza is reason enough for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against him.
The IFP believes that President Cyril Ramaphosa should strongly consider placing Deputy President Mabuza on Special Leave, whilst a full-scale independent investigation is conducted to test the veracity of these allegations.
The Anti-Corruption Task Team, comprising of the Hawks and the NPA, should prioritise investigating this matter.
These allegations against Deputy President Mabuza is reminiscent of the time that former President Thabo Mbeki asked then former Deputy President Jacob Zuma to resign.
It is in the country’s best interest to place Deputy President Mabuza on Special Leave, as our country needs to send a strong message that we are anti-corruption and that we take a firm stance against any allegations levelled against people who occupy high-office.
President Cyril Ramaphosa must act now, before we have another Jacob Zuma case on our hands.
He needs to be strong on corruption, restore international investor confidence and keep a clean, transparent and open government.
On 30 000 public service job cuts:
The IFP NEC notes the Minister of Public Service and Administration’s commitment not to shed over 30 000 jobs in the public service.
This is welcomed, as majority of South Africans will be affected by the sacking of officials who work on the front line of services in the public sector.
We call on the Minister to urgently schedule a meeting with all unions involved in the public sector and to ensure than an amicable solution is sought as soon as possible.
Any further strike action could cost our country Millions of Rand. The Minister would do well to iron out any uncertainty and to ensure officials in the public service that their jobs are not on the line and that there is security to protect them.
On NSFAS:
IFP NEC notes the resignation of former National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board chairperson, Mr Sizwe Nxasana.
We welcome Mr Nxasana’s resignation, as it now allows for the entire board of the entity to be relieved of their duties. The board in its entirety is not representative of all involved in the Education sector.
A board without youth representation, students and young professionals alike, cannot steer the organisation to be centred and focussed around dealing with issues which matter most to young people.
The IFP is calling on Higher Education and Training Minister, Naledi Pandor MP, to take a firm stance and dissolve the entire board of NSFAS.
It is unfortunate that former ANC President, Jacob Zuma’s legacy woes lives on at NSFAS and total change is required in order to address student’s needs. The unilateral decision by Mr Zuma for free education was ill-timed in the absence of proper implementation plan.
Minister Pandor would do well to use the powers of her office to ensure things are turned around at NSFAS.
The main purpose of NSFAS has not been fulfilled due to students still waiting for payments due to them eight months into the year.
This is totally unacceptable. Minister Pandor’s tough-talks are not enough. She must immediately dissolve the board, and ensure that funding issues are ironed out before the start of the new academic year in 2019.
On NDPP ConCourt Ruling:
The IFP welcomes the Constitutional Court (Concourt) Ruling this morning that the appointment of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head, Mr Shaun Abrahams, by former President Jacob Zuma was unlawful.
We are cautiously optimistic in the appointment of a new NDPP within 90 days, by President Cyril Ramaphosa as instructed by the court; however as the IFP we believe that this process should be handled by Parliament with recommendations made to the President.
If Parliament were to handle the process, it would be done in a more open and transparent manner, free from political meddling. This would follow the same processes and procedure in the appointments of the Public Protector or the Human Rights commissioners.
It is high time that the NPA is rid of rot as it has been plagued by corruption for a number of years now.
Mr Nxasana’s repayment of over R10 million to the state will be very closely monitored.
Today’s ruling by the ConCourt is another victory for justice, fairness and transparency.
We will fully cooperate and give effect to all suggestions made by the ConCourt ruling today, which found that certain sections of the NPA Act is constitutionally invalid and Parliament has 18 months to ensure necessary amendments are made to the NPA Act.
See statement by IFP Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr Narend Singh MP:
On the passing of ProKid:
Hip-hop mega star ProKid – Linda Mkhize’s untimely death is yet another loss for the art and music industry in our country. Another phenomenal artist has fallen.
However, The NEC is of the view, that his death being attributed to severe depression and mental health issues is an opportunity for us as a country to speak more openly about mental health issues which face our communities.
Mental Health Issues have for far too long been swept aside, however, the IFP firmly believes that a health and wealthy society requires us all to embrace those who suffer mental illnesses and to assist wherever possible.
May his soul rest in peace and may his young family and loved ones find closure at this difficult time.
On the passing of Maulana Ihsaan Hendricks:
The IFP wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the entire Muslim Community on the passing of stalwart activist, leader and former Muslim Judicial Council Leader, Maulana Ihsaan Hendricks.
May his soul rest in eternal peace – his contribution to not only the Muslim society will be forever remembered.
Enquiries:
Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
