DA question competency and integrity of the ANC

By Rhodé Marshall
30 August 2007

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the admission given by the African National Congress (ANC) of President Thabo Mbeki’s prior knowledge of the Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang’s criminal conviction before he appointed her, speaks volumes about his judgement.

“This raises concern about the moral values of the ANC, and makes it crystal clear that in making government appointments, your talent and integrity are completely irrelevant and the only thing that matters is who your friends are,” says DA spokesperson Mike Waters.

Waters says the former Deputy Health Minister, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge was fired for committing no crime, but that Tshabalala-Msimang continues in her office despite her criminal history.

“While there are no formal requirements for membership of the cabinet, other than those that apply to all MP’s, one would expect that honesty and integrity would be key requirements for a job of such responsibility,” says Waters.

The ANC could not be reached for comment.