Inkatha Freedom Party national chairperson Lionel Mtshali denied on Wednesday having ”begged” for a post in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial cabinet.
In a media statement, Mtshali denied what he called ”malicious” newspaper reports that he had asked Premier S’bu Ndebele for a post in his African National Congress-led provincial government.
”Ill-informed journalists and their cohorts in high government offices in this province deliberately peddle malicious gutter talk that I went down on my knees and begged Premier Ndebele for a cabinet post,” said Mtshali.
Mtshali denied having visited Ndebele’s farm or even telephoning him.
”These statements are malicious, slanderous and devoid of the truth.
”The truth of the matter is that Premier Ndebele stated categorically to the IFP leader of the negotiating team that he would not accept me into his cabinet should the IFP put forward my name as one of the preferred candidates. Nobody bothered to pursue the matter. Mr Ndebele’s statement was decisive and conclusive.”
Mtshali said he has served the public for 31 tears, and his career is ”not tainted by nepotism or by any corrupt practice”.
He said he will now serve as ”leader of the constructive opposition” in the province. — Sapa