Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana says he will not step down from his portfolio because the allegations of sexual assault levelled towards him are nothing however a smear marketing campaign.
GODONGWANA SAYS HE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW THE COMPLAINANT
Godongwana has been embroiled in a sexual assault scandal the place he allegedly sexually harassed a masseuse. The incident allegedly occurred at a Kruger National Park lodge whereas the Minister was on trip earlier this month.
Police lastly interrogated the Finance Minister on Thursday following a request by the National Prosecuting Authority for a warning assertion.
Godongwana admits that he was certainly on the Kruger National Park space on 9 August when the alleged incident occurred.
But he emphasised that on no account or at any second did he contact, sexually harass or assault anybody. In reality, he doesn’t even know the complainant, he stated in a press release on Thursday night time.
He additionally denies allegations that he tried to silence the complainant.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: Enoch Godongwana accused of sexual harassment
“I reject with contempt the allegation that I have attempted to silence the complainant by bribing her. As I informed the police, the identity of the complainant is unknown to me. These allegations are unfounded. In the interest of justice, I reiterate my wish that this matter be expedited,” Godongwana stated.
“It is unfortunate that these allegations are being used as nothing more than a smear against me, fashioned to achieve narrow and selfish political ends.”
Minister Enoch Godongwana
GODONGWANA WILL NOT HEED TO CALLS TO STEP DOWN
Since the allegations surfaced on the weekend, there have been calls by political events and organisations for the Minister to step down.
But that’s not going to occur. Godongwana says he will proceed to serve his portfolio as entrusted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“While I serve as Minister of Finance at the privilege of President Cyril Ramaphosa, I wish to state that I personally intend on continuing with executing my duties by focusing on the critical tasks of revitalising our economy and protecting the fiscus.”
Minister Enoch Godongwana
MINISTER RELEAVED THAT POLICE FINALLY KNOCKED ON HIS DOOR
Godongwana is relieved to have lastly been contacted by the police. This gave him the chance to be heard on what he’s being accused of.
“I am also glad to have the opportunity to place my denial on record. I take the allegations very seriously. As such, I am looking forward to the necessary legal processes unfolding. It is in the interests of all those involved for the matter to be resolved speedily, with due regard for the dignity and privacy of the complainant and myself.”
The sexual assault expenses he confronted have been a speaking level on the ANC’s integrity fee assembly on Wednesday.
Godongwana says he subjected himself to the integrity fee of the occasion because the assembly was at his request.
ALSO READ: Godongwana: ANC integrity fee to debate allegations
“I did this because I am painfully aware of the damage that the allegations have caused to the organisation which I have served for close to four decades, as well as for the need to be forthright and transparent.”
“As I have said before, I have always upheld and respected the rights and dignity of women, and these allegations go against everything I stand for. As a public official leading a critical government department, I take the allegations very seriously.”
