Minister Blade Nzimande Denounces City Press Allegations as 'StratCom Hogwash'

South African Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has publicly condemned two City Press articles that accuse him of unethical conduct without substantive evidence. The minister expressed outrage at what he perceives to be persistent attacks by the publication, which he describes as relics of apartheid-era propaganda.

Both articles in question—one dated July 21st and the other July 28th—refer to alleged misconduct by the minister. However, Nzimande has fervently refuted these claims, accentuating that the City Press failed to seek his input prior to publishing their articles, thereby violating media ethical codes and engaging in what he describes as gutter journalism.

The Minister points out that these attacks are part of a broader attempt by detractors, both within his department and the ANC alliance, to undermine him through a calculated vilification strategy. He alludes to past attempts to tarnish his image by these parties with the aid of the Naspers media group, implicating City Press as complicit in these endeavors.

In defense of his proactive efforts, Nzimande highlighted that he had initiated a forensic investigation into the National Skills Fund (NSF) back in 2021 after discovering that nearly R5 billion was unaccounted for over two financial years. Subsequently, in 2022, he moved to involve law enforcement, including the Hawks, and to launch internal disciplinary measures to hold the accountable individuals responsible.

In response to the claim made by City Press that Nzimande sought to keep the findings of the investigation confidential, he clarified that this confidentiality was meant to prevent jeopardizing the ensuing legal and disciplinary actions, a context the paper conveniently omitted.

Minister Nzimande asserts that throughout the controversy, he has remained transparent, providing detailed explanations in the public domain, through various government platforms, and directly to media outlets—information the City Press has previously had access to but seemingly disregarded.

Describing the latest narratives as nothing short of racist, stratagem-driven mudslinging, Nzimande proclaims his unwavering commitment to advancing South Africa's science, technology, and innovation policies. He aims to tackle pressing national issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, despite the media onslaught.

Minister Nzimande's determination to counteract the perceived smear campaign reflects a broader struggle for integrity within the public sphere and sheds light on the importance of media ethics in the age of misinformation.