Citizen Online
Thursday, November 30, 2006
JOHANNESBURG - Nothing short of a credible investigation and explanation on the alleged link of Cabinet members to the Gautrain would satisfy the public, the SA Communist Party (SACP) said.
The SACP was reacting to claims that several Cabinet members were shareholders and personal beneficiaries in the multi-billion rand rapid-rail network.
Those already linked to the project are Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Education Minister Naledi Pandor, Deputy Health Minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge and National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete.
SACP spokesman Malesela Maleka said this constituted a "very grave" conflict of interests.
He said the Cabinet had decided to support and fund the Gautrain project, despite numerous protests and legitimate concerns.
"Of even more serious concern to us is that some of them are decision-makers and beneficiaries in the wasteful Gautrain project," said Maleka.
"We strongly condemn this as the worst expression of parasitic capitalism. This is simply not what the millions of our people fought and died for.
"We are outraged that not only will the Gautrain services only be accessed by the better-off, but will also personally benefit some of the already very well-remunerated government Ministers."
The SACP claimed involvement by those with links to the government cast doubt on their insistence on the project.
Gautrain would benefit only the rich.