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Shimza and Mmusi got into a heated twar after Shimza was seemingly defending his rumoured girlfriend, Athi Geleba, who is the Head of Digital Communications in The Presidency. The R15 million stadium saga sparked controversy and tweeps wanted answers as to how could a visibly low budget stadium cost that much money.
Floyd Shivambu, EFF member encouraged voters to make the right decision after the stadium in the Eastern Cape got revealed.
"An ANC Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Enoch Mgijima has opened what they call a stadium… R15 MILLION was paid to build this thing & they are proud of it. The people of South Africa must vote these people out of power because they have no shame. None whatsoever! R15m for this?" slammed Floyd.
In response to politician Floyd Shivambu who questioned the quality of the stadium, Athi Geleba tried to justify how the funds were used by listing all the things the stadium supposedly has.
Electrical installation. Rain water catchment tank. Highrise water main tank. Guardhouse. Gravel car parking.
— MANGWANYA #VoteANC (@AthiGeleba) October 5, 2021
Athi in her defense, said she was only relaying the information handed out to her, “That is what they issued as cost driver’s first the facility, I’m not justifying, I am merely sharing information. I am not in an informed position to make that determination. Difference,” she tweeted.
Now Shimza found himself in the firing line after it seemed as though he was defending Athi and the government. But he tweeted, “Aowa!” which is often used to express shock - meaning he too was shocked at the stadium. Then Athi responded to a tweep who said she should defend the government in public but disagree with it in private. To which she replied, “Can we put up a united front please. Thank you.” But Shimza stood firm to his disapproval and said he “Can never defend this nonsense. Soze!”
Mmusi Maimane then dragged Shimza into the conversation and said,
“Even Shimza can’t spin these turntables.”
Then a twar erupted! At first it seemed as though they agreed with each other that the stadium does not look as though it cost R15 million. Shimza however believed the engineers and construction workers who said it is possible that it could cost that amount. "This one aikhona, I’m seeing a lot of engineers and people who work in construction saying it’s actually possible but people must account for clarity."
Then Maimane said he is an experienced construction worker but the maths does not add up, "I understand why you have to soften the blow. From my experience this project definitely did not come close to R15 million."
Shimza then had to dig even deeper by asking him if he works in construction and then from there, things took a left turn,
Even Shimza can’t spin these turntables.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
I understand why you have to soften the blow. From my experience this project definitely did not come close to R15 million.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
I have been involved in construction projects, I have done financial oversight on several construction projects.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
Maybe you just know me from twitter streets but I have extensive experience with PFMA and MFMA from my prior and current jobs.
It’s a very overpriced project.
Message your bae. Send flowers. No one forced you to enter this chat.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
I have a masters in Economics, while you were entering DJ competitions I was working in public office, I know what I am talking about.
Bottomline, the project did not cost R15 million. There is no spin room
And one relationship that you are about to be😂.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
You aspire to tenders. Send your bae flowers
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
You wana go back there like this was not dealt with, this was not a tender! Department asked for a venue and the venue took the booking, the way they do with everyone. If u have additional questions, ask the department. Should I also still question your exit from your ex bosses?
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) October 5, 2021
I am done here. Please don’t forget to collect your property. pic.twitter.com/LA9UNz96c5
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) October 5, 2021
This is not the first time - and it seems like it will not be the last - Shimza gets dragged for his alleged political affiliations. The last time this happened was when he questioned people about vaccines and if it is fair for government to not allow unvaccinated people into stadiums. "Do you think it would be fair for Government to say only vaccinated people can attend festivals?"
The other time was when the supposed ministerial cookoff took place with Somizi at his Tembisa restaurant, Hang Awt. The minister of tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane and the event was held at Shimza's Hang Awt.
Defending himself, Shimza said the department approached him and his team for a venue and they just merely agreed. Saying there is no foul play.
"This is the department of tourism’s program, ask them what the process was, we were asked for a venue and we agreed. There’s really nothing more here," he responded.
He also said the government suggested the event, not him nor Somizi.
"Somizi is at all my events, Hang Awt nor myself did not suggest anything here, this is the departments event."
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Picture credit: Instagram