African National Congress, 30 August 2002
The IFP appears incapable of drawing a distinction between the state and its party, and willfully utilises state resources to fund its party political objectives. The IFP's seemingly unlawful use of public servant, Mario Ambrosini, is a case in point. Ambrosini is appointed as a special advisor to Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi (IFP President), in Buthelezi's capacity as Minister of Home Affairs. Ambrosinišs sizeable monthly salary is paid for by government using taxpayers' money, so as a public servant Ambrosini is obliged to confine his public duties to government matters pertaining to the Department of Home Affairs.
Why is it then that Ambrosini has been designated as the official IFP spokesperson for the party's desperate last bid attempt to prevent the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from publishing its report ? Ambrosini is publicly defending the IFP and has openly challenged the findings of the TRC.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration to investigate the actual role of Ambrosini in the Ministry and the Department of Home Affairs. It must further be investigated whether Ambrosini is adding any value in the public service.
The ANC finds the current situation totally unacceptable. Why should the government pick up the tab for IFP party hacks like Ambrosini? As the spokesperson and legal advisor to the IFP, it makes sense for Ambrosinišs salary to be paid by the IFP. Worse still, Ambrosini, a public servant, is publicly challenging senior state institutions such as the TRC and the Department of Justice. This in itself could constitute grounds for disciplinary proceedings against Ambrosini
The ANC is sick and tired of the IFP's continual abuse of public office. The ANC believes Ambrosini's political role must be condemned in the strongest terms.
The ANC has initiated a similar investigation into IFP Premier Mtshali's use of state funds in his legal case brought before the Constitutional Court, where he challenged the crossing of the floor legislation in his capacity of Premier, in flagrant violation of the official provincial mandate
Contact Provincial Spokesperson, Mtholephi Mthimkhulu at 082 702 9729