Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel says all individuals with power over political processes should be open to public scrutiny, including African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema, according to a report on Saturday.
Manuel told United Kingdom-based Channel 4, in an interview for a documentary on Friday, that officials should be transparent about their finances.
‘Open to scrutiny’
Asked specifically if this should apply to Malema, he said: “I do think that he should [be transparent], I think that all of us who have influence over political processes should be open to scrutiny.”
Manuel’s comments follow allegations of corruption and tender fraud which have plagued the league president.
He had been set to appear at a African National Congress displinary hearing on Thursday, facing charges of bringing the ANC into disrepute and sowing division within party ranks.
The youth league president faces several charges of misconduct relating to comments he made on calling for regime change in Botswana, and unfavourably comparing the leadership of Jacob Zuma and his predecessor Thabo Mbeki.
Charged with him are ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, deputy president Ronald Lamola, treasurer general Pule Mabe, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi.
His hearing was postponed to October 15 because of his ill health.
Malema was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for flu-like symptoms which the youth league described as “not major”.
“He was discharged this morning,” said spokesperson for the Limpopo Medi-Clinic Istha McMillan on Saturday. – Sapa