Johannesburg - Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi has lashed
out at Nedbank Group [JSE:NED] chairperson Reuel Khoza for his "attack" on the government.
In a letter published in The Star newspaper on Tuesday,
Manyi said comments Khoza had made which accompanied the bank's annual results
showed "disingenuousness and that his books aren't exactly balanced".
In the report, released last month, Khoza said the country's
"strange breed" of leadership needs to adhere to the institutions
that underpin democracy.
"Our political leadership's moral quotient is
degenerating and we are fast losing the checks and balances that are necessary
to prevent a recurrence of the past," Khoza wrote.
In response, Manyi wrote: "It would help if Dr Khoza
were to expand on his allegations and tell us exactly which checks and balances
are being lost 'fast' and which recurrence of the past - and which past - he
fears so much."
Manyi also questioned Khoza's negativity considering the
annual results document pack had an overview reflecting a significantly more
positive, or at least expectant, disposition among management.
"Given Dr Khoza's putative concern about the state of
levels of public accountability, it is only fair to ask to what extent his
statement reflects the views of the illustrious and diverse board which now
includes eminent champions of transformation... or is he out on a lone frolic," said Manyi.