The former government communications head explained why he accused the acting Director General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) of giving false testimony.
Former government communications boss, Mzwanele Manyi, has told the Zondo commission on Tuesday, 27 November 2018, that he knew of Phumla Williams’ testimony 13 days before she sat for questioning.
Manyi has also confirmed that he sent a text message to the acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) during her cross-examination in August 2018.
During his cross-examination by Advocate Vincent Maleka on Monday, 26 November 2018, Manyi discredited Williams’ testimony.
Manyi claims to have sent the text message in order to assist Williams in giving better testimony.
“At that point I knew exactly that [this was a period when] I was not there. I then, chairperson I am not a lawyer, without understanding the legalities, I thought my colleague has just forgotten the chronology [sic],” he said earlier this month.
He also accused Williams of giving false testimony, explaining that he was “setting the record straight,” when Maleka asked him why he made this accusation.
Williams had told the commission that Manyi restructured the decision-making process to ensure that only he could approve tenders.
Manyi challenged the testimonies of other public servants including Pravin Gordhan and former GCIS CEO, Themba Maseko.
He had also asked that Advocate Maleka rescue himself but later withdrew the application. This is expected to be Manyi’s final day of testimony at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.
Xiletelo Mabasa
x.mabasa@politicalanalysis.co.za
