18th August 2008

"The Inkatha Freedom Party would like to express its disapproval of the alleged interference of Correctional Services Minister, Ngconde Balfour, in the duties of the Correctional Services National Commissioner, Mr Vernie Petersen", said Mrs Sybil Seaton MP, the IFP Correctional Services Spokesperson, today. 

Mrs Seaton commented: "We are alarmed by reports that the Minister of Correctional Services has deliberately interfered with the duties of Mr Petersen relating to the procurement of a R200-million food tender for prisons. 

"As the head of prisons, Mr Petersen should be allowed to work and take decisions relating to our prisons without hindrance from the Minister.  

"The IFP therefore strongly disapproves of Minister Balfour's conduct. We find it odd that the Minister of Correctional Services would intervene in the administrative process of a tender. 

"Furthermore, the IFP believes that it was unacceptable and out of line of the Minister to threaten to axe the National Commissioner if he didn't obey the Minister's instructions on this matter. This amounts to nothing more than bullying tactics," concluded Mrs Seaton.