LIVE | EFF calls for removal of Ndabeni-Abrahams from Cabinet for breaching lockdown regulations
2020-04-08 07:00
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EFF calls for removal of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
The EFF calls for the removal of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams from Cabinet for breaching lockdown regulations to have lunch with her friend.
The two-month censure imposed on the minister for breaching the lockdown is nonsensical and suggests that ministers and members of the executive must be treated as if they are above the law.
Ordinary citizens are subjected to the full might of the law should they breach lockdown regulations. For one to have lunch with friends while our people observe the lockdown is insulting and undermining.
The attitude that ministers are beyond reproach is a common trend in the Ramaphosa regime. We have seen it with Pravin Gordhan and we see it now with a minister who has fundamentally undermined efforts to combat a global pandemic.
The minister was seen on social media attending a lunch with a friend , a non-essential activity that is in contravention of the strict regulations set by the very executive she sits on. To lose a month’s worth of salary and be put on leave is a slap on the wrist for a contravention that’s mocks our collective efforts as a nation.
We call on the minister of police and SAPS to take the same action they have done with ordinary citizens who violated the regulations. No one should be above the law, particularly during this critical time of preventing the rapid spread of the Corona virus.
The EFF further calls for an investigation into the claims of one Mduduzi Manana, who claimed through his foundation that the minister’s visit related to acquiring Personal Protective Equipments to combat the spread of Covid-19.
It is concerning that a sitting minister can be summoned to a home of an individual for donations, while there are existing structures and mechanisms that coordinate donor efforts towards combating Covid-19.
Ministers must never meet self-purported philanthropists in their homes as these unofficial meetings lack transparency and are a dark road towards corruption. We must guard against any elements that may seek to profit through this human disaster, under the guise of philanthropy and through the use of political connections.
We call for consistency within the Executive in abiding to lockdown regulations like all citizens, and further consistency in punishing ministers who breach lockdown regulations by having luncheons, mini-rallies and providing aid for political expediency.
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams must be removed from Cabinet if the integrity of this national lockdown is to be maintained and the rule of law is to be taken seriously.
There is no logical explanation for her to be treated with kids gloves while the masses of our people are subjected to the full might of the law.
Issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which will be unpaid.
Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has issued a public apology for breaking lockdown regulations
The ANC has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Comrade Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for breaching lockdown regulations.
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ANC welcomes action taken by president against comrade Stella
Ndabeni-Abrahams
The African National Congress (ANC) fully supports and
welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Minister of
Communications and Digital Technologies, Comrade Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on
special leave for breaching lock down regulations.
The ANC calls on all its deployees and the rest of society
to respect and abide by the letter and spirit of all lockdown regulations in
order to effectively disrupt the chain of transmission occasioned by the
Covid-19 pandemic.
The national effort to contain and slow the spread of the
Covid-19 virus is based on united action and social solidarity.
The message is clear, the lockdown is meant for all of us.
Stay at home.
Issued by the African
National Congress
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President censures minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams for lockdown lunch
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which will be unpaid.
As to allegations that the minister violated the lockdown regulations, the law should take its course.
This follows the revelation on social media that the Minister had recently visited the home of a friend who hosted a lunch, contrary to the lockdown regulations.
The President summoned the Minister yesterday, Tuesday 7 April 2020.
The President expressed his disapproval of the minister’s actions, which undermine the requirement that all citizens stay at home and save South Africa from the spread of the coronavirus.
The president accepted the minister’s apology for the violation but was unmoved by mitigating factors she tendered.
President Ramaphosa has placed the minister on special leave for two months, during which Minister in The Presidency Jackson Mthembu will act in Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams’ position.
The president has reprimanded the minister and directed her to deliver a public apology to the nation.
The president said: “The nation-wide lockdown calls for absolute compliance on the part of all South Africans. Members of the National Executive carry a special responsibility in setting an example to South Africans, who are having to make great sacrifices.
“None of us – not least a member of the National Executive – should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation. I am satisfied that Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no-one is above the law.”
- Statement issued by The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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Here are the stories of the day:
Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, could be in hot water after a photo was posted on social media that shows her having a social lunch with former Deputy Education Minister, Mduduzi Manana during the lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa requested a meeting with Ndabeni-Abrahams in the wake of this. But Manana later clarified, claiming Ndabeni-Abrahams went to his house to fetch medical protective gear.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is set to hold a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of the 21-day lockdown. This comes amid speculation that the lockdown may be increased, but this may worsen an already battered economy.
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Looking internationally, The WHO has rejected any notion that Africa would be used as a "testing ground" for a Covid-19 vaccine.
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The WHO has rejected any notion that Africa would be used as a "testing ground" for a Covid-19 vaccine
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He said Africa will not be a "testing ground for any vaccine", saying any vaccine rollout would follow the same protocol across the world.
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Pictured is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. (Getty Images)
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Former Deputy Education Minister Mduduzi Manana has clarified Minister of Communiciation, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams’ visit to his, saying she went there to fetch medical protective gear, and that it was not a social visit.
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Dischem is rolling out drive-thru testing in some of its stores, which will cost R850.
Checkers and Mr D Food will now deliver medicine to your home. Customers can do this through the Mr D Food app, but would also need to call the MediRite pharmacy based inside their nearest Checkers branch.
Health workers are our primary soldiers in coronavirus fight, they have to be safe - Mkhize
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Ndabeni-Abrahams lockdown picture: It was not social lunch, visit was for 'essential business' - Manana
The former deputy minister of higher education, Mduduzi Manana, has attempted to set the record straight on the controversial visit by Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams to his private residence.
He says both he and Ndabeni-Abrahams were on essential business, organising donations of personal protective equipment for students working on "Covid-19 Digital Services".
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is pictured. (Gallo Images)
Ramaphosa to discuss the three-week lockdown's effectiveness
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Speculation has been rife the lockdown would be extended beyond three weeks, with growing concern over the impact of such a decision on an already ailing economy.
