By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
- Justice minister Simelane moved to human settlements after allegations she took money from a VBS-linked company.
- Minister only repaid the controversial loan three years later after the VBS bank scandal became public.
The DA was not impressed with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reshuffle of the national executive last night, saying it is unmoved.
President Ramaphosa removed Thembi Simelane from her job as minister of justice after claiming she was involved in the theft of money from VBS Mutual Bank.
In a direct swap, Mmamoloko Kubayi has moved from human settlements to take over as minister of justice and constitutional development.
DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille said: “Keeping Simelane in Cabinet was a cop-out by Ramaphosa.”
She said Simelane should be put on special leave until her role in the VBS scandal is cleared up.
Former minister of justice Simelane is accused of taking money from a company linked to the VBS bank scandal.
Ramaphosa took months to act on a report about Simelane’s role in the looting of the Venda bank. He has now moved her to lead the Department of Human Settlements.
When Simelane was mayor of a Limpopo municipality, she allegedly took a loan from a company that managed her municipality’s money in VBS Mutual Bank.
“There was no conflict of interest and I paid the loan,” she said.
However, Simelane only repaid the loan in 2019 after the VBS scandal came to light. She got the loan in 2016 and didn’t pay anything for three years.
The minister has said Ramaphosa knew about her alleged role in the VBS scandal but still made her a minister.
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka confirmed she is investigating Simelane’s alleged part in the VBS Mutual Bank theft.
Pictured above: Thembi Simelane.
Source: X
