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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 4 • 26 FEBRUARY 11 MARCH 2010

NELSPRUIT,

By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

Mpumalanga finance MEC Pinky Phosa has capitulated and withdrawn a bursary her department awarded to the boyfriend of her daughter, Tshepiso.

After a week of failing to answer questions about why Bruno Vilane was given a bursary meant for poor students, Phosa has finally responded, sending a general reply to the media through the department of economic development, environment and tourism (Dedet).

“After careful consideration and the manner (sic) in which this matter has been handled, I have decided to withdraw the bursary unreservedly,” said Phosa, who is the wife of ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa.

She said that although Vilane “qualified” for the bursary, she decided to withdraw it after the “public outcry” that followed a newspaper report about the matter.

The Sowetan revealed that Vilane was the son of well-off parents. His father, who shares the same name, is the former municipal manager of Mbombela Local Municipality, while his mother works in the provincial department of agriculture.

“Due to the circumstances that led to the public outcry and the perceived malpractice and nepotism, I have taken a decision to withdraw the bursary,” said Phosa.

Since last Friday, Phosa’s spokesperson, Nontsikelelo Gabela, has failed to answer questions regarding the bursary.

Her junior in the finance department, Blondie Legodi, said he had no authority to speak on the matter and that he had handed the questions to Gabela.

Among the questions Phosa was asked to answer was whether she would institute an investigation or disciplinary process against her head of department, Mandla Mazibuko, who is said to have signed off on the bursary.

A communication officer from Dedet confirmed that Mazibuko had requested his department to send Phosa’s memo on Wednesday.

He refused to be named, saying the matter was too sensitive and speaking to the media would “get us into trouble”.

“We are one government. The reason the HOD requested us to send out the memo was because Phosa’s communication section is in a total crisis due to incompetence,” said the officer.

Phosa’s letter concluded with a plea for the public to approach the public protector should they suspect foul play in the offering of government benefits.

“We assure you that in future such matters will be undertaken with more caution and absolute objectivity,” Phosa said.

Pinky Phosa