Minister Mbalula takes action against name dropping and misinformation by Somizi Mhlongo
After proper reflection and circulation of a video, Minister Mbalula finds himself obligated by statutes, policies and regulations of Parliament and Government to take action and seek consequences management over the matter wherein Mr Mhlongo is recorded to be saying that the Minister divulged information to him that could be regarded as sensitive and embargoed for publication at the time.
The Minister takes a very dim view of the circumstances of the Mhlongo statement which amounts to clear “name dropping” of his name seemingly for clout within his peers.
“I have noted Mr Mhlongo’s apology however I do not view his utterances as mere joke, the country is going through a serious disaster management period and any misinformation, irregular or unauthorized information being published is both unlawful and not assisting in our cause to manage public affairs carefully,” Minister Mbalula said.
“Even though Mr Mhlongo guessed it right in his speculative discussion - he went further to mislead the public about the source of his information which undermines and is preemptive on Government and the President over very sensitive information of a national security caliber of which I am very sensitive to and have adhered to in all my time in the executive,”
“As I did not discuss the lockdown timeline or extension plans with Mr Mhlongo at all whatsoever and to this end my conscience is clear and prepared to attest to this under oath - having served in multiple cabinets,” Mbalula added.
Mr Mhlongo acted very recklessly and irresponsibly. Name dropping has caused enough harm in our discourse before and we must now nib it in the bud.
“I have discussed the Mr Mhlongo name-dropping of my name with President Cyril Ramaphosa and will on Friday morning report this matter to law enforcement authorities as regulated and published under the Disaster Management Act on fake news & mis- information peddling,” Mbalula ended.
Enquiries:
Ayanda Allie Paine
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