Lindiwe Sisulu lashes out at Ramaphosa’s spokesperson for alleged interference in internal matters

African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member and presidential hopeful Lindiwe Sisulu, has lashed out at presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, for his alleged interference in the governing party’s business.

Sisulu was responding to utterances made by Magwenya during a media briefing on Friday.

In that briefing, Magwenya was asked about comments made by Sisulu and deputy minister of Public Enterprises Phumulo Masualle who have both called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step aside while investigations into the burglary at his Phala Phala game farm were on going.

Magwenya said the president is “not blind to the fact that we are in a period of contestation within the governing party.”

“There is an established decorum, there is an established manner of professional engagement between the president and members of his cabinet and any individual within that established decorum, that behaviour is more of a reflection on them than the president…the president has never publicly berated any of his Cabinet members- if he has any concerns about their performance, he will do so on a one-on-one basis,” he said.

Sisulu in a scathing statement lambasted Magwenya. “For someone claiming to speak on behalf of the head of state to ignore this and choose to be a propagandist to boost his principal’s political fortunes is a scandal of monumental proportions,” said spokesperson Steve Motala.

Motala said Sisulu’s office had noted Magwenya’s response on calls for Ramaphosa to step aside until investigations are concluded.

“Minister Sisulu wants to put it on record that her criticism of Ramaphosa is purely motivated by his poor performance as ANC Leader. In fact, her criticism is not unique. President Ramaphosa’s three predecessors have publicly expressed disappointment with his performance as president of the ANC and the country.”

Motala added Sisulu “found it strange that Magwenya, in his capacity as president Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, can parachute himself into a political party internal matter.”

Source: Times Live, Sunday World, Eyewitness News, image from Twitter: @Constitution_94

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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