‘National Chef must focus’: Masina grills Mboweni for not doing his job

Ekhurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina’s decision to picket outside the Saint George Hotel on Saturday 29 August, where the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would have been held under normal circumstances, has caused quite the chain reaction. Both Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has lambasted Masina for his comments.

On Saturday, Masina stood outside the hotel with placards in his hands, calling on all ANC members, who are facing corruption charges, to step aside. Masina said it applied to President Cyril Ramaphosa as well. 

Mthembu jumped to Ramaphosa’s defence, labelling Masina’s comments as “balderdash”.

“I have never heard such balderdash from a leader of the ANC. President Cyril Ramaphosa is neither sentenced by [nor] facing any charges before a court of law. Therefore there’s no basis for him to step down or step aside. I hope comrade Masina corrects himself soon.” 

While Mthembu publically reprimanded Masina, Mboweni was waiting in the wings.

MASINA GIVES MBOWENI A PIECE OF HIS MIND 

Mboweni took to Twitter on Monday correcting Masina for his comments. 

“These relentless attacks on our organization must stop. And ANC leaders must not feed the frenzy!! Order Comrades! We must unite and call young comrades like Mzwandile Masina to order! Stop fire!! Unite!”.

Masina responded, on Tuesday morning, by referring to Mboweni as the “National Chef,” most likely due to his many food-related posts on Twitter.

“National Chef must focus on what we send him to do in Gov: expropriation of land without compensation, Nationalisation of SARB, Creation of State Bank and getting our economy going and create jobs – stop the sideshows,” he said. 

“I have been involved in “serious politics” for many years. I have observed and experienced the ups and downs, and dramatic and traumatic moments. Somehow, they all come to pass! And life goes on!!” added Mboweni. 

Mboweni also dispelled a rumour that he resigned. Taking to Twitter, he said it’s untrue. “I am firmly here as Minister of Finance. We have work to do. So much to do: fix our economy! No time for pettiness.” 

Mthembu jumped on the bandwagon, thanking Mboweni for dismissing “malicious rumours”. 

RAMAPHOSA ADDRESSES CORRUPTION 

Ramaphosa, on Monday 31 August, said his motion to have corrupt individuals removed from their positions until they are cleared was approved by the NEC. 

“Those formally charged with corruption must immediately step aside from all official positions pending finalisation of their cases,” he said. “They must also go to the integrity commission,” he said. 

“If a member doesn’t comply, the ANC constitution kicks in and in this era that we are now in, we expect that all members abide by what is set out herein,” he added. 

This comes after Ramaphosa wrote a scathing letter to the ANC prior to the NEC meeting, saying that the party is seen as accused number one regarding corruption. Former president Jacob Zuma replied to his letter, highly dissatisfied, about the way in which he accused his own party of corruption. 

“It’s unforgivable to label our rank and file members as criminals for crimes you and those with whom you serve in the structures of state are accused of. Your letter is rather low and disappointing, and it lends credence to the suggestion you work for white monopoly capital.”

Jacob Zuma