Pretoria - Government says it has noted with concern media reports in which the spokesperson of the Premier of Mpumalanga province, Mabutho Sithole, is alleged to have bribed a journalist.
City Press journalist Sizwe Sama Yende's startling allegation was published on the front page of the newspaper on Sunday.
Sama Yende alleges that he was given R5 000 cash by Sithole. In return, the journalist would drop a story implicating the Premier in tender irregularities. The money was, according to Sama Yende, later handed over to the Nelspruit police station.
Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) viewed the allegation "in a serious light," particularly as it related to a senior official, who was expected to embody government's commitment to clean governance.
"We also note Mr Sithole's insistence that he is innocent of any wrongdoing. We trust that Mr Sithole will be given an opportunity to clear his name," Maseko said.
Government recommits itself to the fight against crime and corruption and calls on anyone with information on any act of corruption to report such to the police.
