Manyi on Western Cape transformation matter

25 Feb 2011

Interest groups have an opportunity to raise their views on the
Employment Equity Amendment Bill within the Nedlac forum, rather than to
focus the public debate on the Government Spokesperson, Jimmy Manyi, and
mislead the public.

The current debate on the equity Bill has caused Solidarity trade union
to revisit a television interview from a year ago where Mr Manyi
expressed views on transformation in the Western Cape where the coloured
community is in the majority, even though this is not reflected in
leadership and management positions in the province.

Solidarity has reportedly argued that Mr Manyi's comments in the March
2010 interview would be treated as Government policy unless repudiated.

In fact, Government's policy proposals are contained in the current
draft legislation which will soon be subject to the legislative process
in Parliament. It is mischievous and condescending for anyone to suggest
that the perceived influence of an individual could sway government policy.

The legislative process is one in which all South Africans are routinely
invited to participate. The Employment Equity Amendment Bill presents
another opportunity for people to express their views democratically.

As a senior public servant, Mr Manyi is guided by the constitutional
assertion that South Africa belongs to all who live in it – this
undoubtedly includes the coloured community.

Mr Manyi's comments a year ago sought to underscore the fact that the
coloured community forms part of the whole South African nation, and he
suggested that coloured people could take up opportunities beyond the
boundaries of the Western Cape.

In this context, Mr Manyi wishes to acknowledge that offence was taken
as people interpreted his statement a year ago. For this he apologises
unreservedly and calls on all concerned to use the consultation process
on the Bill to achieve real transformation.

Meanwhile, concern has to be expressed about the fact that this issue
has resurfaced, seemingly as part of a vendetta against Mr Manyi, who
was recently appointed as Government Spokesperson – a Cabinet decision
that many have sought to undermine.

For more information please contact:
Vusi Mona
Deputy CEO: GCIS
Cell: 078 021 4035

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
25 Feb 2011