The chairperson of the ANC in Gauteng, Paul Mashatile said among other things, there was no need to spend more money while members of the public were complaining.
In fact, if Mashatile had his way, there would be no more spending on Nkandla that already has cost taxpayers R246 million.
The newly formed United Front West Rand region was among the political heavyweight and a well-respected business people of SA in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Mashatile was speaking at the Daily Maverick’s The Gathering conference in Midrand, which included the general secretary of the Unemployment People of SA, Zwelinzima Vavi.
“I don’t agree with agree with it. It’s not an ANC position,” Mashatile charged. “That issue is still to be discussed at the NEC.”
The chairperson of Chief Mogale Community Forum, affiliate of United Front, Mashatile made it clear he does not agree with more payment for Nkandla.
His sharp response came shortly after comrade Vavi and DA leader Mmusi Maimane cornered him about the ANC’s carefree stance on Nkandla.
I was among the first to celebrate Frans Baleni’s fall. Baleni, former general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), who lost to Free State secretary David Sipunzi by nine votes at the NUM’s congress, was one of the architects of Vavi’s axing from Cosatu three months ago. He also was instrumental in the expulsion of Numsa from the labour federation in November last year.
I supported Sipunzi’s radical views, which include his declaration that Cosatu members are not obliged to join the ANC. He also sees no problem with having Numsa readmitted to Cosatu despite moves by the metalworkers union to form its own poltical movement that could challenge the ANC in next year’s local government election.
Indeed, Paul Mashatile took us by surprise when he broke ranks and slammed future spending on President Jacob Zuma’s family home.
Where are the other voices of reason in the ANC?
