ANC bans spokesperson Phelisa Nkomo from talking about the economy
Nkomo’s bizarre statement on the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision raised questions about the ANC’s commitment to the Bank’s independence
ANC communicator Phelisa Nkomo, who issued a statement on the SA Reserve Bank decision to keep the repo unchanged, has been barred from commenting further on the economy, according to sources in Luthuli House. Business Day understands that Nkomo, who reports to both the ANC election head Fikile Mbalula and national spokesman Pule Mabe, may face further action. It was unclear whether this would include a summary dismissal. In a bizarre statement on the Bank’s decision, Nkomo, who is a former chairperson of the Media Diversity and Development Agency, "implored" the monetary policy committee members to "prioritise the plight of poor South Africans" after the Bank had announced its decision. The statement suggested the ANC was attempting to influence the Bank’s decision, a violation of its independence, which is enshrined in the constitution. The contentious statement comes after debate within the ANC on the ownership of the Reserve Bank at the party’s national conference. It also is re...
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