OUTA welcomes President’s decision on Nene

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to accept the resignation of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene.

OUTA commends Minister Nene on tendering his resignation, following concerns raised around his admissions relating to misleading the public, during his testimony at the State Capture Inquiry.

During his tenure as Minister of finance, Nene showed courage by standing up against Jacob Zuma’s decisions to force irrational and costly decisions related to the controversial nuclear and SAA finance deals onto the taxpayer. Minister Nene must be remembered for his courage and good work whilst serving South Africa under difficult circumstances.

Offering to resign is a testament of Nene’s character despite errors of judgement during his tenure. By doing so, Mr Nene has set a new benchmark of what society expects from Government leadership. Furthermore, President Ramaphosa has also sent a strong message and set a new benchmark that civil society can expect of him, as he tackles corruption and the abuse of power in positions of his leadership. We hope that other Ministers, a number of whom OUTA has laid charges against, follow Nene’s example and also tender their resignations.

“We would like to welcome the new Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni and wish him every success in his role which comes at a critical time in our economy,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s CEO. “Mr Mboweni has all the credentials and experience to serve South Africa well in this position.”