Africa-Press – South-Africa. FORMER public enterprises minister Lynn Brown on Friday opened up about the “attacks” she endured after she quit active politics in 2018.
Testifying before the Zondo Commission, Brown said when she was removed as Minister of Public Enterprises, she also resigned from the National Assembly.
“It did take its toll on my family and friends. The attacks were no longer on me,” she said.
“When I joined politics, I was the person who could take the attacks. When they started going for my family and friends, I sat down,” said Brown, who is now at the retirement age of 60.
She told the commission that the attacks were in essence driven by a campaign about whether she was part of capturing the state via an entrance with Guptas, former president Jacob Zuma and others.
“The attacks actually dealt with personal matters. It dealt with people who have nothing to do with my work, family and friends.
“Also, if I were to read everything I read in newspapers, I would not be surprised anyone of you thought I was living in a palace with two sports cars in my basement, a house maybe built by the Guptas.”
Brown told the commission she lived in her own house she bought 28 years ago and paid it off when she retired from active politics.
“I drive the same car I had driven before. I think they were quite unmitigated attacks. I then left politics.”
She said the attacks had happened when her father was very ill.
“He played a big role in me not staying in formal politics.”
Brown, however, said she was still an ANC member.
“I have been waiting for this occasion to come to the commission. I hope I will be able to clear myself. This process will help to set my reputation straight again,” she said.
“This is a very important occasion for me. It is a very important occasion for me to be able to clear my name. I am grateful to you chair,” she said, adding that she has always been a supporter of the Zondo Commission.
“I believe it will separate fact from fiction. It will separate a narrative from reality,” Brown added.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said the former minister should definitely use the opportunity to deal with all relevant matters.
“Make sure you put your side of the story properly because that is important,” he said.
POLITICAL BUREAU
