Manyi opposes ‘dismissal narrative’

FORMER GCIS head Mzwanele Manyi yesterday once again warned that the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture was treating him unfairly, as he returned to give testimony about his “dismissal” from the Department of Labour and his subsequent move to the GCIS.

Manyi worked as the head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) after replacing Themba Maseko in February 2011.

He has been accused by some officials of bullying staff members and compelling them to support the Gupta-owned New Age newspaper and TV ANN 7 during his tenure at GCIS.

Manyi eventually purchased the company from the Gupta family.

During yesterday’s proceedings, lead advocate Kate Hofmeyr was continuously interrupted by Manyi, who accused her of ambushing him in her questioning.

“Miss Hofmeyr wants to push her own narrative of a dismissal,” Manyi said.

Hofmeyr was probing Manyi’s alleged dismissal from the Department of Labour, and soon after that his appointment at GCIS.

She asked Manyi whether he had seen a 2010 letter penned and signed by him which was written to the minister of public service and administration at the time.

Manyi said he had never seen the letter, and disputed that he was ever fired from the department.

He appeared annoyed as Hofmeyr continued to refer to his departure at the labour department as a “dismissal”.

Manyi accused her of not understanding how the government works. He insisted that he was never fired.