It’s all a lie, say president’s men
Venter also claimed that he was “told” to inform The Presidency that Phosa and businessman, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, were funding the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
MBOMBELA – Allegations that former house manager of Dr Mathews Phosa, Mr Jan Venter, and prominent politicians colluded to discredit Phosa have been strongly denied by both The Presidency and Office of the Premier.
On Monday Venter made shocking allegations about being used in a plot to make false statements about Phosa’s involvement in the “spy scandal” which made headlines a year ago. At the time Venter claimed in an affidavit that Phosa and a businessman were the authors of a report sent to deputy secretary general of the ANC, Ms Jessie Duarte, which claimed that Mpumalanga premier, Mr David Mabuza, was an apartheid spy.
At the press conference Venter said he was used by senior politicians and that the statement made in February this year was all a lie. Venter also claimed that he was “told” to inform The Presidency that Phosa and businessman, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, were funding the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Shortly after the official press release was issued the following radio interview was conducted with Dr Mathews Phosa by Power FM 98.7
This week spokesman of The Presidency, Mr Bongani Majola, reacted and said the president, Mr Jacob Zuma, “strongly rejects the spurious allegations made by Mr Jan Venter, a former employee of Dr Mathews Phosa, which claim that officials from The Presidency met him, apparently as part of some plot to discredit Dr Phosa”.
The statement said they found these allegations untrue and malicious and that The Presidency doesn’t engage in that type of conduct and activities. “No official from The Presidency has ever met Mr Venter and none would have any reason to meet with him.” Mabuza also reacted to the allegations through a press release and said he noted with concern the public statements issued by Venter and Phosa.
“Premier Mabuza would not like to be drawn into a domestic matter involving the employer (Phosa) and employee (Venter),” the statement read. It further stated that the so-called spy allegations remained sub judice and that Mabuza would allow the court to take its course. “It is most unfortunate that there are attempts by Dr Phosa to bring the ANC’s name into disrepute on the heels of the successful National General Council (NGC).
“The premier as a responsible leader, will not draw himself into non-factual-based matters.The honourable premier wishes to reaffirm the sentiments of the ANC President Jacob Zuma as commented at the recent NGC, that members should avoid creating division and instead focus on creating unity within the party. Leaders should strive to continuously maintain the bonds within the organisation in order to build a better future for the people who have elected them as custodians of our country.”
Lowvelder sent more specific questions to the Office of the Premier but his media spokesman, Mr Zibonele Mncwango, said Mabuza preferred not to engage in public mud-slinging regarding the matter.
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M’langa the place of plots and dirty politics
