Nyakallo Tefu
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has laid ‘misinformation and name-dropping’ charges against SA Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo.
This comes after a live video by radio personality Dineo Ranaka and Mhlongo at the Metro FM studios went viral.
In the video, Mhlongo disclosed to his colleague Ranaka and Metro FM listeners that President Cyril Ramaphosa would extend the lockdown by two weeks, adding that he had received the ‘leaked’ and exclusive information from Mbalula.
The video sparked a debate on social media about Mbalula sharing confidential and sensitive government information before the President shared it with the nation, with many deeming it irresponsible.
Mbalula has since denied these allegations and accused Mhlongo of misinformation and name-dropping, saying he did not speak to Mhlongo.
“Check my cellphone, I did not tell Somizi about the lockdown extension”, said Mbalula in a tweet.
After the video circulated on Twitter last night, Somizi apologized to the Transport Minister, saying it was a bad joke on his part, and confirming that him and Mbalula did not have a conversation regarding the extension of the lockdown, prior to the President’s speech.
“I’m just like you, I did not know about it, I was just guessing. I think like everybody else I had a feeling that it was going to be extended”, said Mhlongo.
“I have noted Mr Mhlongo’s apology, however, I do not view his utterances as a mere joke, the country is going through a serious disaster management period and any misinformation, irregular or unauthorized information being published is both unlawful and not assisting in our cause to manage public affairs”, said Mbalula.
