The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticized the appointment of MK Party MPs implicated in alleged corrupt activities by the Zondo Commission on state capture. DA chief whip George Michalakis called the swearing-in of these individuals “a travesty and an insult to the people of South Africa.”

Michalakis specifically pointed to four newly sworn-in MPs:

Lucky Montana, former Prasa CEO
Siyabonga Innocent Gama, former Transnet CEO
Brian Molefe, former Transnet and Eskom CEO
Mzwanele Manyi, former GCIS CEO

The DA chief whip outlined allegations against each, including conflicts of interest, financial misconduct, and enabling state capture, as detailed in the Zondo Commission report.

“These individuals are not suitable to hold positions in a parliament that should uphold the principles of democracy and accountability,” Michalakis stated.

In response, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela defended the appointments, telling TimesLIVE, “There is no evidence to show any wrongdoing by these people; they haven’t been convicted because there is nothing against them.”

Ndhlela further claimed that the criticism targets “competent black South Africans” who are “transforming the country” and asserted that the appointed MPs are “far more competent than anyone in the GNU and far more competent than anyone in the DA.”

The conflicting statements highlight ongoing tensions surrounding allegations of corruption and the appointment of public officials in South Africa.