MMEMEZI STEPS DOWN
MEC apologises for misusing state funds
THE ruling party’s integrity committee has claimed its first casualty with Gauteng MEC for local government and housing Humphrey Mmemezi resigning yesterday.
Mmemezi recently appeared before the Gauteng ANC integrity committee chaired by Alexander Mbatha to answer allegations that he had embezzled state funds.
This was the first case the party ’ s provincial integrity committee dealt with after an announcement last month by Gauteng provincial secretary David Makhura that such a committee, headed by ANC veterans, would be established to adjudicate cases of wrongdoing by its members.
The ANC’s policy conference held late last month also adopted a resolution that members who were subject to investigation for corruption should do the honest thing and step down pending an investigation.
In a statement yesterday, Mmemezi apologised for personal purchases he made using his government credit card. Among these were expensive clothes during an overseas trip and a R10 000 painting he bought from a local McDonald’s franchise.
Mmemezi said: “After consultation with my organisation, through the ANC integrity committee and the provincial office bearers, I have decided that the most honourable thing to do under these circumstances is to step down from the executive council as the MEC.”
Spokesman Dumisa Ntuli welcomed the decision, saying it set a good example of how ANC cadres should assume responsibility for their actions and take corrective measures to win public confidence.
“The mandate of public officials is to serve the people and deliver on what the ANC has promised in its manifesto.
“The issue of integrity and ethical conduct is an essential component Ntuli said.
The Democratic Alliance said the resignation by Mmemezi – who had for weeks pleaded innocence – had been long overdue.
“We do not believe that he has come clean on all his misdeeds, and he should not be let off the hook just because he has resigned after pressure.
“The DA will continue to push for proper accountability for all his alleged wrongdoing, including criminal prosecution if this is warranted, ” said DA Gauteng caucus leader Jack Bloom. –
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