DA moves to force Ramaphosa to release Simelane report

The DA says it has filed a request to access the report under the Promotion of Access to Information Act.

Simelane has faced criticism over an R500,000 loan she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions while serving as Polokwane mayor.

She has denied benefiting from the looting of VBS and said she was not involved in appointing Gundo Wealth Solutions.

DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach said the request is meant to ensure transparency and allow South Africans to assess the facts.

"Despite receiving the report three months ago, the president has failed to take action or is unable to appreciate the untenable conflict of interest this has created. It cannot be that a Minister of Justice, accused of corruption, can continue to oversee the justice system and, more importantly, the National Prosecuting Authority, the very body tasked with investigating her.

“The PAIA process seems to be the only way to get the answers South Africa needs. Every day without action further damages the integrity of our justice system and legal institutions," said Breytenbach.

In October, Ramaphosa told MPs that he is still reviewing a report submitted by Simelane.

Simelane has also maintained that the Polokwane Municipality never paid any funds to Gundo Wealth Solutions.

The company’s owner, Ralliom Razwinane, faces fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges related to facilitating connections and "investments" between municipalities, including Polokwane, and the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank.

When questioned by MPs, Ramaphosa said he was “carefully considering” the report before making any decisions.

Ramaphosa also emphasised that he has made it clear to members of the executive that they are expected to meet the standards established by the Executive Ethics Code and to uphold the oath that they each took upon assuming office.

"They may not expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and their private interests.

“To promote transparency and accountability, every Member must disclose to the Secretary of Cabinet – on an annual basis – their financial interests and those of their spouses, permanent companions or dependent children," he added.

Simelane has already gone through party processes in the ANC by appearing before the integrity commission, which is meant to determine whether she can continue in her roles as minister and NEC member, in line with the party’s "step-aside" rule.

The rule compels ANC members facing allegations of wrongdoing to step down from party structures.

The commission has yet to announce its decision.

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