Manto: Why should I resign?

Last updated: Thursday, August 23, 2007 Print

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Thursday thumbed her nose at her critics, saying she was there to stay.

Independent Online quoted her as telling reporters in East London she would not resign amid accusations that she is an alcoholic who abused her position to get a liver transplant.

"I'm not stepping down. Because I don't understand why I should step down unless, as the president has said, you give him reasons for what it is that I have done," the minister said.

"Have I neglected the duties assigned to me? Have I?"

She said President Thabo Mbeki had appointed her and it was his prerogative to relieve her of her responsibilities.

Tshabalala-Msimang was speaking to the media on a National Health Council tour of hospitals in the Eastern Cape.

Theft conviction
The SABC reported that she refused to comment on claims of a theft conviction against her while she was working in Botswana in the 70s.

"I have not come here to talk about the Botswana story...I have come in a very concerted effort to see what is it that we can do as the council to improve the quality of health that we delivered to our people. That is what I have come here to do."

The minister said all those who had made allegations against her should come forward with evidence. – (Sapa)