Cape Town – Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Minister, Blade Nzimande, is demanding a formal written apology within seven days from former Productivity South Africa chairperson and Thuja Capital CEO Mthunzi Mdwaba for bribery allegations.
Recently, there have been reports alleging that three ministers approached Mdwaba, seeking “gateway fees” amounting to R500 million from a R5bn UIF deal, which he had secured as seed capital to create employment for 250 000 people.
When he refused, Mdwaba claimed that he was ousted from his position at Productivity SA, according to 702.
He said the ministers approached him through intermediaries to try and secure the bribe, the report said.
Mdwaba accused Nzimande and other high-profile figures of attempting to solicit the bribe from him.
Nzimande, however, has denied the allegations, saying that he intended to serve a cease and desist letter for defamation on Mdwaba, Times Live reported.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande’s spokesperson, Ismael Mnisi, tells @XoliMngambi his principal doesn’t know of any individual sent to talk to former Productivity SA chairperson Mthunzi Mdwaba about the R5-billion UIF deal.
Watch: https://t.co/kqHwb34Gci#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/oNAycGpFL1
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 10, 2023
“The minister wants to make it clear he is prepared to take all necessary legal action to protect his rights and seek damages for the harm caused by these defamatory statements,” the report quoted his spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi as saying.
He added: “The minister dismisses these self-seeking allegations with contempt. The minister values his reputation and integrity and refuses to allow these defamatory statements to go unaddressed.
“Defamation is a serious matter that can have significant legal consequences.”
On Wednesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula also indicated that he will be laying charges of crimen injuria against Mdwaba, IOL reported.
“The secretary general of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula, will open a crimen injuria case against Mthunzi Mdwaba at the Sandton police station. The secretary general will read out a short statement after laying the charges,” quoted an ANC statement as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
