South Africa’s Catholic bishops have said they are “profoundly disturbed” by the country’s deputy finance minister’s confirmation that a powerful family had offered him the post of finance minister.
Mcebisi Jonas had revealed that he received an offer from the Gupta family to succeed Nhlanhla Nene, after Mr Nene’s dismissal by President Jacob Zuma last December. Mr Jonas rejected the offer.
“It is vital that high offices of state should not be compromised by the involvement of parties with commercial or personal interests,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which covers South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland, said in a statement.
“Mr Jonas’ revelation lends credence to other claims of involvement by the same family in the appointment of ministers,” the bishops said, adding, “Such interference seriously undermines transparent and accountable governance in South
Africa, and betrays our people’s struggle for political and economic freedom.”
Clear sign
They called upon President Zuma and the leadership of the African National Congress to give a clear sign that such impropriety would be no longer tolerated, and concluded, “South Africa is passing through a difficult period, politically and economically, and it is only by adhering to fundamental values of good governance and integrity in public life that we will be able to face up to and overcome our challenges.”
