Loud mouthed SA minister told off

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes

PRESIDENT of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly reprimanded his loud mouthed Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni for inappropriate comment against Zambia.

This follows comments made by Mr Mboweni on social media regarding the removal of Zambia’s Central Bank Governor, Denny Kalyalya by President Edgar Lungu.

In one of his tweets, Minister Mboweni demanded for reinstatement of Dr Kalyalya threatening to mobilise if not given reasons why the former Bank of Zambia Governor had been fired by President Lungu.

According to a statement by acting spokesperson to the South African President Tyrone Seale, Mr Ramaphosa was dissapointed by Mr Mboweni’s remarks and reprimanded him.

President Ramaphosa has assured the government and people of Zambia that the unfortunate remarks did not reflect the views of the South African Government and its people.  

“The issue is being addressed to ensure that such an incident does not occur again,” he said.

He said South Africa and Zambia enjoyed strong historical relations dating back to the days of the struggle against apartheid, and would not want it to be spoiled by an individual.

Mr Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to maintaining the deep and solid bonds of friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Zambia.