
Johannesburg - While the EFF has supported the subpoena against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, the party is being sued for defamation by former finance minister Trevor Manuel.
In a 201-page application against the EFF, its President Julius Malema and spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Manuel who is currently the chairperson of the Old Mutual Group details how Malema and Ndlozi had made spurious allegations against him.
According to Manuel, Ndlozi cited that when he (Manuel) chaired the selection panel for new Sars Commissioner, he conducted a clandestine and corrupt process which led to the appointment of Edward Kieswetter also adding the two were closely tied.
Manuel, in court papers, described the statement by the EFF as defamatory, adding it cast aspersion on his integrity and that of Kieswetter.
"Yet the allegations are without any basis in fact. They are integrity false. I am not related to Mr Kieswetter, nor is he my business associate. I acted lawfully, impartially and in the best interest of SARS while discharging my duties as chair of the panel," he said and added he had not displayed corruption or nepotism and that his sole purpose of bringing forth the court application is to protect his reputation and the integrity of the Panel and the National Treasury.