13 November 2007

Having taken stock of KwaZulu Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele's private business operations, the IFP fears these may constitute a direct conflict of interest.

The IFP is aware that Mr Ndebele's vast business interests include Nguni stock, dry rice and mushroom farming and even a Rainbow Chicken franchise.

"We fear the Premier may have been making use of classified information available to top civil servants in furthering his private business interests.

If this is the case, Mr Ndebele's conduct amounts to a direct conflict of interest," said Leader of the Official Opposition and former KwaZulu Natal Premier Dr Lionel Mtshali.

The IFP has also been reliably informed that the Premier's initial capital came from a variety of financial institutions ranging from commercial banks such as ABSA and Standard Bank to state-run Ithala.

"There is little doubt that the Premier has enjoyed privileged access to capital funding unavailable to many aspiring private individuals. He may well owe his success in business to his position in the provincial government," said Dr Mtshali.

The ANC top leadership's conduct while in power since 2004 contrasts sharply with the philosophy of the former, IFP-led provincial government in KwaZulu Natal prior to 2004 and even before 1994.

"Whereas the IFP viewed its role in government as selfless service to the people of KwaZulu Natal, the ANC's culture of entitlement leads the ruling party to excesses of self-enrichment at the expense of transparency and equal opportunity," said Dr Mtshali.

The IFP will exercise its oversight role in the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Parliament by asking a series of questions relating to the Premier's private business operations in as far as they may overlap with his public role.

"In the same breath, we also invite the media on what will, without doubt, be a fruitful hunt for other top ANC politicians with considerable private business operations that may constitute a conflict of interest in relation to their public positions," said Dr Mtshali.

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902