Pretoria - The Office of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, has refuted a news report claiming that he has fired more than five bodyguards in just over a year.
The Sunday Times newspaper at the weekend reported on the alleged bad behaviour endured by the cabinet minister's and deputy minister's VIP protectors.
Deputy Minister Manana is among those listed and was reported to have fired more than five bodyguards in just over a year and also parties until the early hours of the morning.
Responding to the allegations on Tuesday, the office of the Deputy Minister highlighted that the responsibility of appointing or assigning VIP protectors to drive and guard ministers and deputy ministers lies with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“It would be incorrect, inappropriate and malicious for the newspaper to allege that the Deputy Minister has fired any protector when he does not even enjoy the privilege to hire,” the Deputy Minister’s office said.
The office confirmed that it had previously requested the VIP Protection Unit to replace at least three close protectors in the last three years since his appointment, not one year as alleged by the newspaper.
“It is on the records of SAPS that one protector left voluntarily to pursue his studies and the other two left due to perpetual late coming and total disregard for dress code when coming to work as prescribed by the service.
“The Deputy Minister remains unperturbed and will stop at nothing to report and act against wrongful behaviour.”
Partying allegations
The Office of the Deputy Minister said it found it unprofessional that the alleged VIP protectors, who were removed from his close protection, would raise the matter of his late night engagements with the media, thereby compromising the credibility and integrity of the entire VIP protection service.
It noted that it is within the SAPS prescribed codes that the Deputy Minister should be provided 24-hour protection and security. However, when there are engagements either official and/ or social that run beyond midnight, it has always been the practice that the VIP protectors would be granted a considerable time to rest the following day.
“This consideration will be upheld for as long as it is necessary because the Deputy Minister is still expected to take part in any kind of public social engagement or activity that warrants him to be with the people, for as long as his conduct does not compromise his security and the office he occupies.
“He will continue to rely, as he has always done, on the advice and wisdom of VIP protectors on the kind of places that should be avoided especially if such places pose a security risk to his life,” the Deputy Minister’s office explained.
The office added that it will engage both the Ministry of Police and the Office of the National Police Commissioner with the view to raise these matters as they have serious security implications.
It further insisted that Deputy Minister Manana expects total commitment and dedication from VIP protectors and they must have the ability to work under pressure and perform their duties as prescribed by their service.
“He will, in turn, continue to work well with dedicated officers and will go an extra mile to accommodate their needs as he has always done.” – SAnews.gov.za
