The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to break his silence on justice minister Thembi Simelane’s loan from the defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
According to the party, Ramaphosa knew about Simelane’s R576 000 loan from VBS-linked broker Gundo Wealth Solutions, as early as 2021 when she was appointed to Cabinet.
WILL RAMAPHOSA TAKE ACTION AGAINST SIMELANE OVER VBS LOAN?
In August, the Daily Maverick reported that Simelane received R575 600 from Gundo to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton. Thereafter, Ramaphosa requested a detailed report and briefing from Simelane on the matter. On Friday, 6 September, Simelane appeared before the justice and constitutional development portfolio committee to answer for the dodgy loan.
DA spokesperson on justice and constitutional development Glynnis Breytenbach said if Ramaphosa was indeed aware of this matter from the beginning, his current demand for an explanation about information he already possesses raises serious questions about his apparent refusal to act against Simelane.
“The public deserves to know why this issue was only brought before the ANC’s Integrity Commission now, years after the loan was originally exposed and investigated by the Limpopo Treasury. What has changed, other than the looming criminal investigation by the Hawks?” she asked.
Further, Breytenbach said Simelane’s failure to make the loan agreement and proof of payment publicly available further deepens suspicion. These documents must be scrutinised to determine whether the transactions were legal and ethical.
“It is time for the President to stop stalling, provide full transparency, and explain why he appointed a Minister with such a questionable past – and why he refuses to take decisive action against her,” Breytenbach said.
DO YOU THINK RAMAPHOSA WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST SIMELANE?
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