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The EFF condemns the Department of Social Development and SABC for exchanging half a million of taxpayers’ money for Bathabile Dlamini to talk about herself on SABC 3 program, Real Talk with Anele. This is consistent with how ministers in general have been paying Gupta Business Breakfast on SABC for interviews. Here, not only have departments paid The New Age, also SABC has itself done so.

The following Minister appeared on TNA Breakfast, with the likelihood of appearance fees, even though departments have lumped up amounts to include things like adverts and subscriptions:

Nomvula Mokonyane -  as Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nathi Mthethwa - as Minister of Arts and Culture, Nhlanhla Nene - as Minister of Finance, Fikile Mbalula - as Minister of Sports, Pravin Gordhan - as Minister of Finance, Blade Nzimande - as Minister of Higher Education and Training,

Mosebenzi Zwane - as Minister of Mineral Resources, Faith Muthambi - as Minister of Communication, Des Van Rooyen - as Minister of CoGTA

The EFF rejects the justification that Bathabile Dlamini’s interview was an advert for the work she does in government. The 80% of the interview was about herself and the ANC WL, and its now failed NDZ camping. In essence, taxpayers’ money was used to profile Bathabile Dlamini and not government Social Development work.

The SABC must pay back the money as it is complicit in the corruption of the minister. We call on the SABC Board to immediately institute an investigation and all who are guilty must face prosecution.  In addition, we call on Parliament to also take the necessary steps to disciple Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini.

Issued by EFF