Question NW1114 to the Minister of Finance
12 July 2017 - NW1114
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether he has found that the statement of his economic advisor, Prof Chris Malikane, in an interview published on 23 April 2017 (details furnished) that there is no way he, the Minister of Finance, can tell a fellow South African to keep his mouth shut, was regarded as insubordination; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether he (a) has or (b) will take any form of disciplinary action against Prof Malikane; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1-2) He has since gone through government policy induction in order to align his academic life to the role of Minister of Finance. Therefore his utterance will be aligned with government policies henceforth, bearing in mind that one of the key features of a democracy is freedom of expression. Of course, this must be exercised in a responsible manner taking due regard of the position that such person holds.
3. No statement will be made.