Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
Date: 09 February 1998
This morning, Gauteng ANC office bearers and myself have had a meeting to discuss allegations levelled by the Democratic Party against Safety and Security MEC, cde Jessie Duarte.
The allegations are:
1. Driving an official government car without a drivers licence.
2. Failure to report accident on time.
3. Unauthorised payment of an air ticket for a non governmental person.
4. Employing consultants without properly checking their qualifications.
5. General accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
These and other related allegations will guide us in the formulation of the terms of reference for a two-person independent commission of inquiry consisting of a senior lawyer and an expert on public administration.
The commission will report to me by the end of this month. The names of the commissioners will be made known to the public on Thursday 12 February 1998 after the individuals concerned have been consulted.
Firstly to say that since my election as Chair, we have held several PEC meetings, a general council and several consultations with branch and Provincial leadership. I led a United delegation to the National Conference and we have not experienced any divisions or tensions in the organisations. Our branches are united behind the PEC under my leadership.
Our cabinet is solidly behind me as Premier, and that I have briefed them on the allegations relating to the Safety and Security Secretariat (as well as PEC) and we are united on the course of action that we are announcing today.
Our Constitution has created institutions for the protection of public interest and empowered them to investigate any impropriety in the administration of public affairs. We believe that any individual or official who has knowledged of any impropriety should bring the information to the attention of these institutions such as the Public Protector. The theft and leakage of public documents is illegal and unacceptable. Anybody found to be doing that will be dealt with severely under the provision of the law.
We call on everyone, especially some sections of the media, to act responsibly on this matter. A process has been put in place to investigate the allegations against cde Jessie and therefore we urge you to refrain from trying her in the media. As a democratic government, we hold the view that cde Jessie is innocent until proven guilty by the credible institutions that will deal with this matter.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish cde Jessie a speedy recovery in hospital.
For more information, please contact Makhosini Nkosi at 355-6091.