By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Higher education, science and innovation minister Blade Nzimande wants a formal written apology within seven days for the bribe allegations made by Thuja Capital CEO Mthunzi Mdwaba.
Mdwaba accused Nzimande, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of trying to solicit an R500 million bribe from him for the R5-billion UIF job projects deal.
Mdwaba says the ministers demanded 10% of the R5 billion in the deal.
Nzimande spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says the allegations have caused substantial harm to Nzimande’s reputation.
“The Minister dismisses these self-seeking allegations with the contempt they deserve, the Minister values his reputation and integrity greatly and refuses to allow these defamatory statements to go unaddressed any longer.
“As a result, the minister will serve a cease-and-desist letter for defamation to Mthunzi Mdwaba. The minister wants to make it perfectly clear that he is prepared to take all necessary legal actions to protect his rights and seek damages for the harm caused by these defamatory statements.”
Nzimande has ordered Mdwaba to retract the allegations or face legal consequences.
“Mdwaba should immediately cease making any further defamatory statements about Nzimande, both in public and in private. Issue a formal written apology to the minister for the false statements that he has made.”
“This apology should be sent to the minister’s address within 7 days, refrain from making any false statements about the minister to any third parties, and request those who have received such statements to disregard them.”
“Should Mdwaba fail to comply with these demands, the minister will have no option but to take legal action against Mdwaba to, amongst others, protect his rights and seek damages for the harm done to his reputation.”
Godongwana’s lawyers have also threatened legal action against Mdwaba, following damaging allegations against the official.
Godongwana denies having any knowledge of the contract and further denies the claims of corruption.
In a letter sent by Godongwana’s lawyers to Mdwaba, the allegations have been described as false, malicious and defamatory.
Mdwaba has been instructed to retract the claims and publicly apologise to Godongwana.
The businessman has been given a seven-day ultimatum or else face legal proceedings.
Nxesi has also issued a statement disputing the allegations.
On Thursday, Mbalula opened a crimen injuria and defeating the ends of justice case against Mdwaba regarding the same claims against him.