Inside the ANC's war with FNB

Firstrand CEO Sizwe Nxasana desperately tried to head off a showdown with the ANC over an advertising campaign by its subsidiary, FNB, featuring young South Africans criticising the government.

The Sunday Times can reveal that on Monday morning, just after the ANC Youth League issued a statement accusing FNB of "treason", Nxasana sent an SMS to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.The minister had been called "brainless" by a youngster in one of the online clips.

In the SMS Nxasana wrote: "Good Morning Minister. I have instructed FNB to remove the video clips from their website this morning. I will investigate how and why the clips ended [up] on their website. Sincere apologies for this. Sizwe."Motshekga's spokesman, Panyaza Lesufi, confirmed that she had received the SMS but declined to comment further, referring queries to the ANC.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

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