Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Warning to Jacob Zuma

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi writes:

I have taken note of the decision announced today, by President Jacob Zuma, that he has appointed Ms Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega as the new national police commissioner.

Recently, during my Presidency Budget Vote Debate, I had warned that the ANC’s policy of cadre deployment is detrimental to our country. Corruption has now ended the careers of two National Police Commissioners, and South Africa bears the cost in terms of our international image and our fight against crime.

I warned the President in the National Assembly that the position of National Police Commissioner must now be filled by a trained policeman, not a comrade of the ANC. For the sake of our country, I called on the President not to repeat the same costly mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Every government has faults and shortcomings. The wise acknowledge and correct them. The unwise ignore them.

Unfortunately, the President did not heed my warning. I can only hope that this decision will not come back to haunt our nation.

However, on behalf of the Party I lead, the Inkatha Freedom Party, I would like to pledge our support to Ms Phiyega as she assumes one of the most important roles in our country. We wish the new national police commissioner all the best as she tries to restore the image of the SAPS.

I can only hope that the SAPS will never again suffer such a great deal of damage to its reputation, as has been the case under the two former police commissioners, due to corruption and mismanagement.

In addition, I note President Zuma’s decision to reshuffle his Cabinet. We are hopeful that this cabinet reshuffle will strengthen some of the non-performing departments and we are optimistic that it will go a long way in improving government’s lacklustre service delivery record.

I am of the view that corruption remains a fundamental threat to our constitutional democracy. It is a key element in our economic underperformance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development. I am therefore hopeful that President Zuma will continue to hold accountable those who underperform and fail our nation.

PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP