The DA in Gauteng has taken its fight for the expulsion of MEC for Local Government and Housing Humphrey Mmemezi to the social networking sites.
This follows allegations that Mmemezi had misused his government-issued credit card.
The campaign was launched in Joburg on Thursday- exactly 30 days after this newspaper reported that Mmemezi had used his credit card to buy a R10 000 painting at a McDonald’s restaurant franchise in Silverton, Pretoria, in October last year.
Announcing the launch, the DA’s Jack Bloom said his party had launched the “Mmemezi Monitor”, which would count the days the Gauteng MEC still remained in office without being fired for his alleged shenanigans.
“How long will it be before Premier Nomvula Mokonyane fires him?” Bloom asked.
He said: “There is no need for further investigations as enough has been revealed that tarnishes his office and the Gauteng provincial government. His explanations for his credit card spending get more ridiculous every time.
“He should go as soon as possible, but is protected because he supports President Jacob Zuma and has a power base within the ANC. Public pressure is needed to push him out. People are encouraged to post a comment on the Mmemezi Monitor at www.da-gpl.co.za,” said Bloom.
Mmemezi also holds the position of ANC deputy secretary in Gauteng.
His spokesman, Motsamai Motlhaolwa, said the DA’s action was a clear campaign to vilify Mmemezi, adding that it bordered “on desperate tactics to win public support against this hard-working leader.
“It is disappointing that the DA will find it convenient to forget that the integrity commissioner is looking into this matter. This is a process within a democratically run institution, and it is disturbing that the DA is trying to undermine the mandate of the integrity commissioner.”
Motlhaolwa said: “Let us all give the commissioner time, and wait for him to report on his findings. It is a well-known legal fact in South Africa that you are innocent until proven guilty.” - The Star