DA wants to see report Simelane handed to Ramaphosa explaining VBS-linked loan

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants to see the report Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane gave to President Cyril Ramaphosa, explaining a loan she received from a broker linked to the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.  

It has submitted an application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain Simelane’s explanations to the president.  

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Member of Parliament (MP) Glynnis Breytenbach said the public needs to decide for itself why the president has taken no action against her.  

In August, News24 and The Daily Maverick revealed Simelane had received a loan of R575,000 from a broker to buy a coffee shop.  

The broker, Gundo Wealth Solutions, was paid kickbacks from VBS Mutual Bank for securing loans from municipalities.  

Simelane was the Polokwane mayor at the time she borrowed the money.  

In September, the president confirmed receipt of a report from Simelane explaining the transaction, and in October his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the matter was still "top of mind."  

Breytenbach said the president is taking too long to decide, and a PAIA application is necessary.  

“This is done in the public interest, and to allow the public to decide for themselves. The PAIA process seems to be the only way to get the answers South Africa needs.”  

While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutes those linked to the collapse of the VBS Bank, the DA said Simelane is too conflicted to remain in her portfolio.  

“Every day without action further damages the integrity of our justice system and legal institutions.”  

In September, Simelane also faced questions from Parliament’s justice committee on the matter.