Mamphela Ramphele disclosed her personal
finances to the South African public in an effort to show her
party's commitment to
promoting transparency and accountability.
She urged all South
African political leaders to do the same, saying it is important for the public
to know how much wealth public officials had and how they got it.
- The South African presidency responded by saying that the president discloses his net worth to cabinet each year, and that further disclosure was unnecessary.
- The media missed the point of her disclosure completely, and made a meal of the actual amount she claimed to be worth.
- ‘Sponsored’ media commentary blasted her for her move, accusing her being insensitive to the poor by parading her riches in their faces.
The ruling party smiled…
"It’s no holds barred.… If you put
yourself out there like a toffee, expect to be chewed." - Jessie Duarte
(ANC deputy secretary-general)
