Sexwale not under attack, says SACP

2012-06-25 19:23

Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale. File photo (Werner Beukes, Sapa)

Johannesburg - The SA Communist Party's recent criticism of a proposed Avusa takeover by Mvelaphanda was not an attack on Tokyo Sexwale, the party said on Monday.

"What we have received... is a slipshod criticism of our position," SACP spokesperson Malesela Maleka said in a statement.

"The worst we have been told is that we are targeting Comrade Tokyo Sexwale. What a lie!!"

Earlier this month, the Mvelaphanda Group (Mvela) announced a R3bn cash-and-share offer to buy the media group Avusa.

Sexwale founded the broad-based, black-owned empowerment Mvela group. He resigned as executive chairperson and board member when he was appointed human settlements minister in 2009.

Mvela's offer would be made through its wholly owned subsidiary, Richtrau No 229. Mvela currently owns 21.92% of Avusa, also through Richtrau.

On Monday, Maleka said the party took a principled position against a monopoly in the media.

"It’s not a narrow position against an individual," he said.

"The greatest threat to media freedom in SA remains the media monopoly and the lack of media diversity."

Sexwale has recently been rumoured to be a contender against Jacob Zuma for the position of ANC president when the election for the leadership slot takes place at the party's national conference in Mangaung, in the Free State, in December.

- SAPA