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The DA welcomes official word from the Presidency today that Jimmy Manyi has been relieved of his duties as chief executive officer of the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS).

It is about time that Mr Manyi was removed from office. He has consistently showcased behaviour unbecoming of government’s chief communicator.

There are numerous reasons why Mr Manyi should have been dismissed a long time ago already. Here are 5 obvious ones:

• History of improper conduct: In June 2010 he was suspended from his position as Director General in the Department of Labour following a complaint that he used an official meeting to promote his private interests. This should have disqualified him immediately.
• Racism: In 2011, he launched racist verbal attacks on both coloured and Indian South Africans stating that there is an “over-supply” of coloured South Africans in the Western Cape and that Indians are over-represented in management positions across the country.
• Undermined freedom of the media: Last year he made headlines for suggesting that the government could withdraw advertising revenue from newspapers that do not toe the government line.
• Dodging accountability: Earlier this year he instructed government departments to give non-answers to pressing DA questions in Parliament, showcasing to what extent he is willing to use shady tactics to dodge accountability.

Poor relationships: It is well known that he had a terrible relationship with the media. The latest revelations also suggested that he had alienated many members of Cabinet during his tenure.
It is welcome news that Mr Manyi’s contract has not been renewed. During his three years as government spokesperson he only soured the relationship between government, the media and the public.

The only question is why Mr Manyi wasn’t removed earlier; and indeed why he was allowed to take up such a senior position in the first place, given his history of inappropriate conduct.