Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
23 August 2023 | 13:44 CAT

Gauteng Housing MEC Lebogang Maile launched an expletive-ridden tirade at a News24 journalist over an update on an investigation into loans granted to a company owned by Paul Mashatile’s son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo. Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images

A News24 reporter who dared to question Gauteng Housing MEC Lebogang Maile got more than he bargained for after he was called a “stupid racist white man” and was told to shut up.

The reporter was asking questions about the progress of an investigation into Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s son-in-law. The call came in the wake of a News24 investigative piece that revealed Nonkwelo Investments – a company owned by Nceba Nonkwelo, who has been married to Mashatile’s daughter, Palesa, since at least 2007 – was awarded at least four loans to the value of more than R30 million by the GPF between 2013 and 2017.

Radio Islam International discussed the reaction of a high-profile politician using racist language to deflect legitimate enquiries on an issue of national importance with The Campaign for Free Expression’s Executive Director, Prof Anton Harber.

According to Harber, Maile’s obligation as an elected public official is to account for himself in public and respond reasonably to reasonable questions.

“It is absolutely appalling and is clearly unacceptable. It reflects badly on him and on his party that he should behave in this way,” Harber added.

Meanwhile, ActionSA has written to Gauteng Provincial Legislature Privileges & Ethics Committee Chairperson, Nomvuyo Memory Manamela, to investigate MEC Maile for his outburst.

“Members of the executive should be held accountable by the South African media. MEC Maile choosing to avoid answering the questions and personally attacking the journalists raises suspicion that the MEC may be hiding key information from the public,” ActionSA stated.

Furthermore, ActionSA believes MEC Maile’s behaviour is unsurprising with the conduct of ANC politicians who, for years, have avoided tough questions from the media and instead chose to attack journalists personally.

“As a party which values ethical leadership, ActionSA will continue to monitor investigations into Maile. We do not believe that any politician should be absolved from public scrutiny, including Maile,” the party added.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.