Ombud says allegations false; with Pravin back, SARS executives to return?
The re-appointment of Pravin Gordhan as South Africa's Finance Minister has been interpreted by many as a swing in the power base within the ruling ANC. We shall soon discover whether there is any substance to such assertions. Soon after calling for cutbacks in wasteful expenditure two years ago, Gordhan was sidelined by President Jacob Zuma. Without Gordhan's protection his longtime colleagues running SA Revenue Services (who had been investigating a number of politically influential cronies) were targeted and ejected from the State's admired tax collection unit. The key weapon wielded by opponents was the supposed existence of a "rogue spy unit" at SARS – allegations which enjoyed blanket coverage in the Sunday Times newspaper. Gordhan revealed this wound is still raw when laying into these allegations at the first opportunity during his Press Conference on Monday. This case, and that of his dispatched colleagues, has been strengthened by the Press Ombudsman's ruling the allegations are without substance. The big question now is whether a rejuvenated Gordhan has the clout to reinstate his abused comrades. – Alec Hogg
By Jeff Wicks, News24
Sunday Times to appeal Press Ombud's Sars ruling
By Genevieve Quintal, News24