eff vbs bank

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 29, 2017: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema along with EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, national chairman Dali Mpofu, treasurer general Leigh-Ann Mathys and secretary general Godrich Gardee (furthest on the right) cutting the cake for the EFF’s 4th anniversary celebrations on July 29, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. During the celebrations Julius Malema touched controversial subjects such as racism, white monopoly capital and land ownership while speaking to the thousands of supporters attending the celebration. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Jabulani Langa)

ANC labels EFF Shivambu’s comments “borderline racist” against Indians

Race relations definitely don’t seem to be on the up…

eff vbs bank

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 29, 2017: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema along with EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, national chairman Dali Mpofu, treasurer general Leigh-Ann Mathys and secretary general Godrich Gardee (furthest on the right) cutting the cake for the EFF’s 4th anniversary celebrations on July 29, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. During the celebrations Julius Malema touched controversial subjects such as racism, white monopoly capital and land ownership while speaking to the thousands of supporters attending the celebration. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Sun / Jabulani Langa)

After a full 24 hours of making headlines, the EFF’s Floyd Shivambu was also publically condemned by the ANC on Wednesday.

In a Parliamentary committee meeting on Tuesday, Shivambu objected to an Indian National Treasury Official because he was “non-African”.

That official was National Treasury Deputy Director Ishmail Momoniat.

According to Shivambu, Momoniat is repeatedly at Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance meetings. His presence, instead of other treasury officials, “undermines African leadership”.

“He does not take the director-general, the finance minister or the deputy finance minister seriously. He thinks he is superior to them. He takes all the decisions and he is always here in Parliament as if he is National Treasury alone. He is supposed to focus on what he is assigned to,” Shivambu said of Momoniat.

Floyd Shivambu and his various question marks

Shivmabu and the EFF were immediately condemned by multiple groups and politicians on social media. Momoniat’s struggle credentials also used as evidence to counter Shivambu’s claims.

Read: Malema labelled a “black racist” by Moletsi Mbeki, EFF hits back

The EFF put out a statement of their own and supported Shivambu’s utterances.

“Momoniat has no regard for black, particularly African leadership in National Treasury and this includes his disrespect of Director General and African Ministers and Deputy Ministers. To him, leadership that deserves respect is only those of Indian, Coloured or White origin. In virtually everything that National Treasury does, Momoniat dictates.”

The ANC finally weighed in on the issue on Wednesday afternoon as Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu issued a statement.

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According to the ANC, Shivambu’s comments “border on racism” and are highly derogatory towards the Indian community in South Africa.

“Mr Shivambu’s erratic behaviour towards non-Africans is cause for grave concern. Earlier this year, Mr Shivambu physically assaulted a white journalist for taking photos of him on the Parliament precinct. This behaviour is utterly despicable from a Member of Parliament,” Mthembu’s office said in a statement.

Mthembu went on to praise Momoniat for always conducting himself as “consummate professional” dedicated to serving his country through his work in National Treasury.