Solidarity has called for the suspension with immediate effect of Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. This comes after the Sunday papers Rapport and City Press reported on a voice recording in which Lesufi, among other things, said that it was his responsibility to see to it that tenders satisfy his people. He also said that officials should make sure they find out in good time when governing bodies advertise tenders.

“Thousands of Solidarity members give their all to offer excellent education to children and this they do in extremely difficult circumstances. While they are teaching the MEC for Education has a hand in plundering their resources. This is a crime against teachers, children and parents,” Dr Dirk Hermann, Solidarity chief executive says.

Solidarity is calling for Lesufi’s suspension and that he be charged and dismissed. Solidarity also says that Lesufi and his cadres have become plunderers under the guise of a government.

“The Constitution prescribes an effective public service and not effective cadre empowerment. If Lesufi is not suspended then cadre empowerment is being condoned. Ramaphosa and the ANC cannot ask some to step aside while allowing others to continue to plunder in an unperturbed way,” Hermann said.