Zuma 'reprimands' Nyanda over Gama

2010-09-01 16:07

Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma has "reprimanded" Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda for his statement backing former Transnet Freight Rail CEO Siyabonga Gama.

In a written parliamentary question to Zuma, Juli Killian of the Congress of the People asked whether he would censure or take any action against Nyanda following the recent findings of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

"I have reprimanded... Nyanda, regarding the media statement he made in support of Mr Gama, which according to the Public Protector violates section 2.3(d) of the Executive Ethics Code," Zuma said in reply.

In her report to Zuma on August 11, Madonsela found that the statement issued to the media by Nyanda supporting Gama – who was the subject of a disciplinary inquiry by Transnet – violated the Code in that Nyanda used his office improperly to benefit the erstwhile CEO.

At the time, Gama had been suspended for his involvement in a questionable security contract awarded to a company linked to Nyanda.

- SAPA