President Cyril Ramaphosa and Beleaguered Justice Minister Thembi Simelane.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is still digesting a report submitted by the Beleaguered Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane who failed to convince Parliament’s Justice Committee that she didn’t benefit improperly following her over R575 600 loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, which benefited from now-defunct VBS bank while she was still Polokwane mayor.
Simelane has embarrassed the ANC, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his 7th administration of Government of Nation Unity (GNU).
On Thursday, when pressed for comment by Members of Parliament, Ramaphosa said : “I did say, and with the active participation of the minister, I requested the minister to submit to me a report on exactly what has happened. That report has been submitted with various annexures, and that is the matter I am giving consideration to.”
Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance that his cabinet members are expected to meet the standards established by the Executive Ethics Code and to uphold the oath that they each took upon assuming office.
"The Executive Members’ Ethics Act of 1998 provides a legislative basis for promoting ethical conduct among all members of the Executive. The law establishes a Code of Ethics that prescribes standards and rules in support of an open, democratic, and accountable government. They may not expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and their private interests,” Ramaphosa added.
He said however that to promote transparency and accountability, every Member must disclose to the Secretary of Cabinet on an annual basis, their financial interests and those of their spouses, permanent companions or dependent children.
Ramaphosa has been lambasted by various political parties for his snail pace of dealing with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Simelane’s VBS disgrace.
The ANC in Limpopo earlier added its voice to the chorus that those who benefited and implicated from defunct the VBS Mutual Bank must face the full might of the law.
She might be affected by ANC step aside rule like former ANC Provincial Treasurer Danny Msiza who is implicated in the VBS shenanigans.
Ramaphosa said he is studying the report and will make a pronouncement,
Minister Simelane, the spouse of the controversial former Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) board chairperson Matome Ralebipi which milked the State purse without accelerating and delivering on its mandate, didn't provide proof in Parliament that she paid back the loan.
Members of Parliament also questioned Simelane about what informed her of securing a loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, which is not a registered financial services provider.
As expected, members of Parliament’s justice committee raised their discontentment about a conflict of interest because Minister Simelane has executive authority over the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) which is prosecuting those implicated in the VBS looting.
Despite that Simelane denied having an improper relationship with Gundo Wealth Solutions received a million by the now defunct VBS bank, Heloise Denner from the Freedom Front (FF) Plus wanted proof of the loan agreement. Denner said: “But I don’t see that loan agreement with Gundo Wealth Solutions provided. So, I'd like to know if the loan agreement is available. Can we have a copy of this loan agreement?"
Fellow committee member, Glynnis Breytenbach of Democratic Alliance's (DA) also added her voice to the chorus that Simelane's denials that the transaction was not improper is not convincing.
"It’s the dodgy money that's the problem because all of their money was dodgy money, and you were the recipient of the dodgy money."
Parliament’s Justice Committee Chairperson Xola Nqola said the committee would seek legal advice on how to handle the loan agreement confirming that the committee would meet again next week.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said he engaged Simelane about VBS shenanigans and allegations of corruption levelled against her.
He also confirmed that Simelani will face the ANC’s integrity commission.
President Cyril Ramaphosa responding to opposition parties about beleaguered Justice Minister Thembi Simelane VBS bank loan scandal.
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