DA launches 'Mmemezi monitor'

2012-06-22 10:36

Humphrey Mmemezi (Beeld)

Johannesburg - The DA launched a "Mmemezi Monitor" on Thursday to count the days controversial Gauteng local government and housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi stays in office.

"How long will it be before Premier Nomvula Mokonyane fires him?" spokesperson Jack Bloom asked in a statement.

He said the "monitor" would be circulated on social websites Twitter and Facebook, and would be updated every day that Mokonyane failed to take action against Mmemezi.

"There is no need for further investigations, as enough has been revealed that tarnishes his office and the Gauteng provincial government."

Mmemezi's spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa said it was disappointing that the DA found it convenient to forget that the integrity commissioner was looking into the matter.

Misuse of govt funds

"This is a process within a democratically-run institution, and it is disturbing that the DA is trying to undermine the mandate of the integrity commissioner. Like law-abiding citizens, let us all give the commissioner time and wait for him to report on his findings."

The premier has said on various occasions she would await the integrity commissioner's report, Motlhaolwa said in a statement.

Mmemezi recently made headlines for his alleged misuse of government funds. This included a claim that he used his department-issued credit card to buy a R10 000 painting from a fast-food restaurant in Silverton, Pretoria.

West Rand teenager Thomas Ferreira was hit by a VIP vehicle linked to Mmemezi in November 2011.

Ferreira was in a coma in hospital for a while, and had apparently suffered permanent physical damage because of the accident.

The matter is currently in court.

- SAPA