5 Reasons why Jimmy Manyi deserves to be fired

Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson
8 June 2012

The Democratic Alliance welcomes reports in this morning’s media that government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi’s contract as chief executive officer of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will not be renewed.

Reports suggest that Mr Manyi will be replaced in August. It’s about time.

Manyi has consistently showcased behaviour unbecoming of government’s chief communicator.

There are numerous reasons why Mr Manyi deserved to be fired a long time ago already. Here are 5 obvious ones:

• History of improper conduct:  In June 2010 Manyi was suspended from his position as Director General in the Department of Labour following a complaint that he used an official meeting to promote his private interests. This should have disqualified him immediately.
• Racism:  In 2011, Manyi launched racist verbal attacks on both coloured and Indian South Africans stating that there is an “over-supply” of coloured South Africans in the Western Cape and that Indians are over-represented in management positions across the country.
• Undermining freedom of the media:  Last year, Mr Manyi made headlines for suggesting that the government could withdraw advertising revenue from newspapers that do not toe the government line.
• Dodging accountability:  Earlier this year Mr Manyi instructed government departments to give non-answers to pressing DA questions in Parliament, showcasing to what extent he is willing to use shady tactics to dodge accountability.
• Poor relationships:  It is well known that Mr Manyi had a terrible relationship with the media. The latest revelations also suggest that he alienated many members of Cabinet during his tenure.

It is welcome news that Mr Manyi will finally be let go. During his three years as government spokesperson he only soured the relationship between government and the media.

The only question is why this decision was not reached earlier.