ANC SPOKESMAN'S ASTONISHING OUTBURST THREATENS INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN SA

Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP, IFP member of Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence, has strongly condemned the astonishing outburst of ANC Spokesman, Smuts Ngonyama, regarding the involvement of the Heath Unit in the forthcoming probe into the Government's R43 Billion arms deal.

Mr Ndlovu believes that Ngonyama's comments will damage public faith in a transparent and rigorous investigation and undermine international investor confidence, thus putting further pressure on the already beleaguered rand.

Mr Ndlovu said:

"Mr Ngonyama's attack upon the integrity of Judge Heath and the work of his Unit is quite astonishing. It calls into question the commitment of the ANC to a rigorous investigation into the very serious allegations of corruption that have been made over this arms deal."

"Mr Ngonyama's extraordinary outburst will also serve to undermine international confidence in South Africa's determination to investigate corruption without fear or favour, even when the allegations relate to members of the ruling ANC."

"With the rand already under severe pressure on international financial markets, this irresponsible, arrogant and outrageous statement could not have come at a more damaging time for South Africa. The ANC must rein in their maverick spokesperson before he does further harm to domestic and international confidence in our country."

"Mr Ngonyama should be aware that in a democratic society opposition parties have both a right and a duty to report any corruption that comes to their attention, to the relevant authorities. Those authorities equally have a duty to respond."

"To describe this correct and proper procedure as 'hobnobbing with the opposition' seems to suggest a cavalier disregard for the fundamental principle of democratic governance - the right of the opposition to hold government to account."

"Following these comments and previous allegations of pressure being placed upon parliamentary committees, it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid the conclusion that there are certain members of the ruling Party who are intent on preventing a proper investigation of this arms deal. Why would this be if they have nothing to hide?"

"In order to restore public and international faith in this investigation, I once again call upon the Minister of Justice to make an immediate recommendation to the President to include the Heath Unit in the investigation. Only by doing so can he dispel fears of a cover up."

"As far as the arrogant and highly damaging comments of Mr Ngonyama are concerned, I think we could all agree that a period of silence from him would be advantageous both to his party and to his country."

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