The Office of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana has noted the article by Thanduxolo Jika in the Sunday Times newspaper’s edition of September 20, 2015 in which the newspaper makes defamatory and malicious allegations against the Deputy Minister.
The newspaper makes allegations of wrongdoing and lays out a strong and damaging critique of the Deputy Minister without giving him a "right of reply", that is, giving him a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations. The Office of the Deputy Minister can confirm that there is no record of any request for a response from the newspaper either sent to him or to his spokesperson.
The Office of the Deputy Minister would, however, like to correct the materially misleading information by clarifying the nature of the working relation with his VIP protectors and further provide accurate information to the matters raised. This commitment of accuracy and fairness should remain the guiding principle to the fundamental truth and the trust of the readers, which should be the foundation of the newspaper.
Appointment of VIP protectors
Firstly, the responsibility of appointing/ assigning VIP protectors to drive and guard cabinet ministers and deputy ministers lies with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and therefore it would be incorrect, inappropriate and malicious for the newspaper to allege that the Deputy Minister has fired any protector when he does not even enjoy the privilege to hire.
The Office of the Deputy Minister expects that VIP protectors that are assigned by SAPS to provide protection service to him would be familiar with the requirements of the job and, in turn, have the ability to cope and perform their duties as per their prescripts. This includes, but not limited to, traveling locally and internationally; and working excessive hours in execution of the work of the Deputy Minister as determined by the programme of government. It would be unfortunate for the Deputy Minister not to fulfil his duties because VIP protectors have other priorities conflicting with the requirements of their jobs.
The Office of the Deputy Minister confirms that it had previously requested the VIP Protection Unit to replace at least 3 close protectors in the last three years since his appointment, not ONE year as alleged by the newspaper. It is on the records of SAPS that one protector left voluntarily to pursue his studies and the other two left due to perpetual late coming and total disregard for dress code when coming to work as prescribed by the service. The Deputy Minister remains unperturbed and will stop at nothing to report and act against wrongful behaviour.
Partying until early hours
The Office of the Deputy Minister finds it unprofessional and rather cynical that the purported complainants, who are presumably disgruntled VIP protectors who were removed from his close protection, would raise the matter of his late night engagements to the media; thereby compromising the credibility and integrity of the entire VIP Protection Service. It is within the SAPS prescribed codes that the Deputy Minister should be provided 24 hour protection and security, however, when there are engagements either official and/ or social that run beyond midnight, it has always been the practice that the VIP protectors would be granted a considerable time to rest the following day.
This consideration will be upheld for as long as it is necessary because the Deputy Minister is still expected to take part in any kind of public social engagement or activity that warrants him to be with the people, for as long as his conduct, does not compromise his security and the office he occupies. He will continue to rely, as he has always done, on the advice and wisdom of VIP protectors on the kind of places that should be avoided especially if such places pose a security risk to his life.
Security issues
Though this article smacks of expediency, the Office of the Deputy Minister will engage both the Ministry of Police and the Office of the National Police Commissioner with the view to raise these matters as they have serious security implications.
Conclusion
It should also be noted that the Deputy Minister expects total commitment and dedication from VIP protectors and they must have the ability to work under pressure and perform their duties as prescribed by their service. He will, in turn, continue to work well with dedicated officers and will go an extra mile to accommodate their needs as he has always done.
Enquiries:
Busiswa Nongogo
Cell 0613512695
E-mail: nongogo.b@dhet.gov.za,
