Kiviet comes under fire

Michael Kimberley and Kathryn Kimberley

THE office of the Eastern Cape premier has come under fire for putting pressure on government departments to buy tables at a swanky East London fashion show. In a formal letter sent to MECs, Noxolo Kiviet’s office appeals to her executive council to each fork out R10000 for a table at the event.

The Herald has seen a copy of the letter, which uses the premier’s letterhead and designation. It is not clear if Kiviet signed the letter or if someone else did on her behalf.

It is also not clear if the premier or her staff have a vested interest in the Eastern Cape fashion label, Purple Pot Designs.

A senior government official, an MEC and opposition parties yesterday condemned the actions of the premier’s office and some questioned Kiviet’s motives.

A high-ranking government official, who did not want to be named, said the request amounted to corruption and the misuse of power....