Share

Zille heaps pressure on ANC deal

Johannesburg - The South African opposition leader lobbied the United States and Britain not to support the country's request for a World Bank loan to build a new power station, she said on Wednesday.

Helen Zille, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, told the ambassadors of both countries that granting the R3.7bn loan would fuel corruption, as the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has a stake in the company that won the tender for the project.

"We are asking them to use their leverage and say they will not grant the loan unless the ANC completely withdraws its 25% stake in Hitachi Africa," said Zille after meeting with the ambassadors.

State-owned power utility Eskom wants to use the money to build a mega coal-fired power station to boost its power-generation capacity.

"It is completely corrupt for a political party to make billions of rands out of state tenders, when that political party is in control of the state," Zille said.

"If the loan is granted under these circumstances, the ANC's power will be corruptly entrenched and South Africa will become a criminal state," she said.

In 2008, South Africa was hit by rolling blackouts as the power utility battled to meet demand.

Earlier on Wednesday, the ANC lambasted Zille's efforts, saying she was acting against the interests of the country.

"Zille is opposed to the development of the country; the loan will help Eskom's power supply. We happen to be in partnership with Hitachi," said ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

Eskom has already received loans from several European financial institutions.

The World Bank's decision is expected on Thursday.

- Sapa

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders