The Gauteng Provincial Legislature notes with great concern and contempt the distorted and inaccurate reporting in articles headlined “Speaker’s shopping list raises eyebrows” and “Our Speaker’s mouth-watering shopping list” published in The Star’s 2 March 2012 first edition, written by Angelique Serrao. The articles claim that the Speaker of the GPL purchased groceries of a personal nature including whiskies and wines.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature wishes to state categorically that no hard drinks (two cases of Glenfiddich 15-years-old and two cases of Meerlust wine) were procured for the Office of the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as reported in The Star. The Gauteng Provincial Legislature wishes to strongly dispute and condemns the article by The Star as irresponsible and vindictive reporting of the procurement of refreshments for the Office of the Speaker.
"We consider the article to be disparaging, unfair and a personal attack on the Speaker of the GPL. We wish to reiterate that these items were not for the personal use of the Speaker and this was clearly articulated in the response to the Star."
Whilst GPL appreciates and supports freedom of the press and independence of the media, the Institution in return expects the media to report honestly and responsibly without being sensational.
The GPL supports the investigation initiated by the Integrity Commissioner on the allegations of the conflict of interest by the Speaker. Upon completion of the investigation, the IC will submit the report with recommendations for consideration by the Privileges and Ethics Committee of the GPL. The Committee will subsequently submit its report with recommendation for consideration and resolution by the House.
Enquiries:
Nondumiso Msomi
Cell: 082 577 9100
The perceived wasteful expenditure (buying groceries) by the speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
Province
