VBS-linked justice minister appears before ANC integrity commission
Justice minister Thembi Simelane will appear before the ANC’s integrity commission over alleged links to VBS Mutual Bank.
The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that justice and constitutional development minister Thembi Simelane will appear before its integrity commission to answer for alleged links to the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
Simelane who has also appeared before Parliament over the same issue will answer to her party on Wednesday, 25 September.
JUSTICE MINISTER TO ANSWER FOR ALLEGED VBS LINKS TO ANC
The South African previously reported that Simelane received a R575,600 loan to buy a Sandton coffee shop from Gundo Wealth Solutions, owned by Ralliom Razwinane, in 2016 during her tenure as mayor of the Polokwane municipality, as first reported by Daily Maverick. Razwinane is currently on trial for fraud, corruption and money laundering over VBS-related crimes.
At the time, Gundo was the municipality’s service provider, in the thick of brokering a supposed investment deal with VBS. Polokwane municipality unlawfully invested R349 million in the bank.
When she appeared before the justice and constitutional portfolio committee Simelane said she thought Gundo Wealth Solutions was a registered financial service provider when asked by MPs why she applied for an expensive, loan which she claims she paid back with 47.5% interest, instead of approaching commercial banks.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA have called for Simelane to step down.
DA spokesperson on justice and constitutional development Glynnis Breytenbach said that despite whether Simelane has repaid the loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, the money involved is tainted.
Breytenbach also said they believe that Simelane’s current role as minister places her in an untenable conflict of interest. As the head of the justice system, she oversees the institutions, like the NPA, who lead the investigation into this matter and the broader VBS matter.
Likewise, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said Simelane’s continued presence in her role threatens the integrity of the VBS investigations and undermines the pursuit of justice.
“Simelane’s attempts to dismiss her actions as a legitimate commercial transaction are a flimsy cover-up. Her failure to adequately address the conflict of interest, her role in facilitating these illegal investments, and her subsequent attempts to downplay her involvement indicate someone who cannot be trusted to oversee justice in our nation.”
PARTY TO COMMMUNICATE DEVELOPMENTS IN DUE COURSE
ANC acting spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi said the integrity commission serves as a crucial accountability mechanism of the organisation.
He said the commission has a process that allows members to state their case based on facts, in order to preserve the integrity of its members and that of the party.
“The meeting will be held virtually and is not open to the public and the ANC will communicate any developments in due course,” Godlimpi said.
DO YOU THINK THEMBI SIMELANE SHOULD STEP ASIDE AS JUSTICE MINISTER?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.