M&G reporter
Gauteng Premier Mathole Motshekga this week strongly denied spying allegations, accusing the Mail & Guardian of a vendetta against him, the African National Congress and the government.
Motshekga’s representative, Makhosini Nkosi, responded in writing.
l On the investigation by the Negota inquiry, he said: “To the best of our knowledge, the said commission is investigating the allegations against Dr Motshekga which form part of the task team’s terms of reference.”
l On the parallel investigation by senior ANC and government members: “I am not in a position to speak on behalf of the senior ANC/government leaders you are referring to. However, we categorically deny that Dr Motshekga was ever a spy of the former apartheid security forces and further challenge you to seek comment from those alleged ANC/government leaders.”
l On the businessman’s claim that Motshekga confessed to him: “Dr Motshekga is not aware of the alleged `black’ businessman you are talking about. Needless to say, he was never a spy and therefore couldn’t have `confessed’ to such ludicrous suggestions. However, I challenge you to name the faceless businessman you are referring to. Failure to do so can only confirm that that businessman is a figment of your imagination.”
l That a report in Deputy President Thabo Mbeki’s possession names a handler of Motshekga as former security policeman Willem Coetzee: “The premier is not aware of any supposed report about him in the possession of Deputy President Mbeki. However, Dr Motshekga denies any knowledge of the alleged Willem Coetzee. I can also add that we would expect such a ludicrous claim to be `corroborated’ by faceless sources.”
Nkosi concluded: “I wish to put it on record that it is unacceptable that you gave me less than three hours to seek comment from the premier and to compile a response for you.
“It’s amazing that you have never covered any of the premier’s activities in his official capacity nor have you inquired from me about these.
“It is clear to me, and to many South Africans, that your persistent, desperate and unsuccessful character assassination attempts against Dr Motshekga are not informed by a wish to serve the public’s right to know, but a vendetta against his person, organisation and government.”