20 November 2006
Your article in today's Business Day, (20 November) "Post Office's 'Mr
Clean' says axing is revenge," refers:
In this article you mention that Parliament's Portfolio Committee has
questioned the Minister's handling of the matter. "What is your basis for
making such a statement?"
The Minister and the Chairperson of the Committee have both been out of the
country attending International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Plenipotentiary
in Antalyia, Turkey.
On her return, the Minister met separately with the current and previous
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Post Office. She had been briefed before
her departure to Turkey by the Chair and some members of the board.
The Minister regrets the selective quotation of her letter to the board in
the 'Mail and Guardian' newspaper. It is important that media quote accurately
and not assign unsubstantiated motives such as the Minister's letter "weighing
in on Manyatshe's side"; page two, Mail and Guardian, 24 October 2006.
The Minister says, "I have no reason to come on to the side of anyone unless
I already have facts to back me up." Letters to the South African Post Office
(SAPO) Chairperson were sent in order to establish the facts.
Mr Manyatshe was once also seen by media as "Mr Clean" at the Post Office.
Was he or was he not?
The Minister has to be seen to deal impartially and to act above the board
and management. The board has decided to act in a particular way to do
investigations. To facilitate this, the board requested the CEO to take leave
of absence. When he refused, he was put on suspension. Minister was advised of
this on Saturday, 18 November 2006.
The Minister will investigate the actions of both the board and management
in this saga and has set in motion processes to this effect. Sensationalising
this issue will not benefit this nation, as SAPO is an important institution in
the Universal Postal Union, as well as Pan African Postal Union. Any problems
should be dealt with fairly, squarely, expeditiously and effectively.
The Minister is keeping the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee abreast
of all her actions as parliament has gone on recess.
Enquiries:
Zodumo Mbuli
Cell: 084 777 2077
Issued by: Department of Communications
20 November 2006
