ANC wants Mlambo-Ngcuka's detractors to back off

The ANC wants Mlambo-Ngcuka's detractors to leave her alone regarding the saga on her travel costs

The ANC has denounced sections of the media and political parties which it says are continuing to 'campaign against' Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the deputy president.

Smuts Ngonyama, the ANC spokesperson, was reacting to the flight cost dispute over travel arrangements for Mlambo-Ngcuka's recent trip to Britain.

The flight is reported to have cost taxpayers more than R4 million. Ngonyama said he had strong words of reproof for the media.

Earlier President Thabo Mbeki said he believes his deputy had no hand in the travel arrangements made for her recent visit to the United Kingdom. Mbeki said those found responsible should be held accountable for their actions.

Mosiuoa Lekota, the defence minister, said he is to establish an independent board on inquiry to investigate why no local aircraft was available to transport the deputy president.

Helmoed Romer-Heitman, a defence analyst, said there is nothing irregular about the hiring of a foreign private jet, when no local alternative is available, to transport top government officials.