Azapo calls for the removal of MEC’s implicated in VBS saga
Khathutshelo Tharaga, organiser of the march said they are baffled by Premier Chupu Mathabatha's decision to appoint the compromised individuals into executive positions.
POLOKWANE – Disgruntled members of the Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo) have called for the removal of the newly appointed MEC’s implicated in the VBS saga during their protest in Polokwane on Thursday (November 10).
Florence Radzilani (Transport and Community Safety MEC) and Nakedi Kekana (Sport, Arts and Culture MEC) were appointed in their respective positions in Premier Chupu Mathabatha’s latest cabinet reshuffle in October.
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The group marched from SABC Park to the Premier’ Office where they handed over a memorandum of grievances.
Khathutshelo Tharaga, organiser of the march said they are baffled by Mathabatha’s decision to appoint the compromised individuals into executive positions.
“Why does a person mired in controversy be hired and deployed in the executive? Should we assume that the premier is doing so because he sees nothing wrong and he is also entangled in the VBS saga. The compromised deputy chairperson of the ruling party has been appointed to the position of the MEC responsible for law enforcement,” Tharaga said.
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He further stated as an organization their protest action was in solidarity with the victims of the VBS saga.
“Azapo and the gathered decry the fact that whilst all this happened the beneficiaries of the looting have been shielded by those in position of authority in government. As Azapo we have decided to side with the families that have lost their loved ones. We can never be neutral on this painful matter.Our coming here today signals a clarion call we are making to the people of our province to join us in seeking justice for the poorest of the poor.”
Radzilani was removed as mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality after the VBS scandal and in her new role, said she was ready for the task ahead of intensifying the fight against crime.
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A report had found that both the Vhembe and Lepelle-Nkumpi municipalities unlawfully invested a combined total of R450m in the now beleagured VBS Bank, which has since been liquidated.
The two have, however, not been criminally charged.
