BONGANI BINGWA: Ethics of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's VBS-linked deal 'stink'

Bongani Bingwa is joined by Zaakirah Vadi, Executive Director of Defend Our Democracy.

Listen below.

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Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has jumped to the defence of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane following a Daily Maverick article connecting her to the VBS scandal.

Journalist Pauli van Wyk's Daily Maverick and News 24 piece revealed that in 2016, while she was the executive mayor of Polokwane, Simelane received a loan of over R500 000 from a firm alleged to have received kickbacks connected to unlawful investments in the bank.

But, says Madonsela, thus far there has been no evidence of Simelane's wrongdoing.

Taking to X, she wrote:

"The article tells us nothing regarding the then Mayor’s personal involvement in the VBS transactions nor provides any evidence, documentary or viva voce, that points to the Mayor having activated/facilitated the transaction or rewarded for her part."

Madonsela has called for a legal investigation, before an assumption of corruption.

Defend Our Democracy's Zaakirah Vadi says Simelane cannot escape political accountability.

"It's important for the South African public to have absolute certainty about the transparency and intergrity of processes as well as the integrity of people at the top."

Zaakirah Vadi, Executive Director - Defend Our Democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a meeting with Simelane who claims the deal was above board, but has so far failed to provide details of the loan agreement or proof that it was repaid.

"As a public representative, as a minister, I think it's right that the president has asked the minister to account."

- Zaakirah Vadi, Executive Director - Defend Our Democracy

But as a public representative, says Vadi, Simelance is answerable to the public, not only the president.

"There's something called public accountability as well, and that's what we are calling for. There has to be a report back to the public. Is there transparency around the loan agreement?"

- Zaakirah Vadi, Executive Director - Defend Our Democracy

Vadi says even if evidence is provided that the deal itself was indeed 'above board', it doesn't deal with the issue of conflict of interest.

"That was certainly the case while Minister Simelane was in the position as Mayor."

- Zaakirah Vadi, Executive Director - Defend Our Democracy

ALSO READ: ActionSA lodges complaint with PP against Justice Minister Simelane over VBS links

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