The recent leaking of the Free State MEC Mr Saki Mokoena’s travelling documents to media is viewed as a security breach and the MEC has since called for an investigation into the matter.
Mokoena has condemned the continuous growing culture of leaking confidential state documents to the media. According to the Spokesperson for the Department of Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Ms Zimasa Mbewu, the latest incident involves the leaking of travel arrangements and movements of MEC Mokoena and officials who are due to travel to Cairo, Egypt for the World Urban Forum (WUF).
“The media article has publicized the images of the internal documentation in relation to the UN Urban Forum trip to Cairo Egypt. The internal process relating to the movement of the officials and political heads is strictly confidential and handled by senior officials of the state who have committed to managing state information as per the requirements of the law.
The traveling of all state officials both in the Administration and Political Office is governed by the National Travel Guideline as published by the National Treasury. Additionally, all government institutions are required by legislation to be audited by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on an annual basis. In view of the security breach, MEC Mokoena has requested the Premier and the law enforcement agencies to investigate and bring this matter to finality,” said Mbewu.
MEC Saki Mokoena says the onslaught wedged against the leadership is aimed at discrediting them and paint a picture that they are reckless with state resources entrusted to them and in pursuit of selfish gain.
“The current campaign is aimed at twisting information and peddle a narrative of a leadership whose image is questionable in terms of accountability and responsible management of state resources”, said MEC Mokoena.
Mbewu said the department implores on media houses to adhere to Journalism Code of Ethics, which speaks to reporting accurately, with fairness and objectively.