By Thabo Mosia
In a strongly worded statement, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, has categorically refuted allegations made by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who claimed that she benefited from the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank. This accusation came during Malema’s interview on SABC News where he suggested that Pandor, along with several other ANC leaders, had obtained bonds from the scandal-ridden bank.
Pandor, visibly frustrated by the claim, issued a public statement upon her return from an overseas trip, labeling Malema’s allegations as “baseless” and “damaging.” She expressed disappointment that Malema, a leader of a parliamentary political party, would stoop to such levels of dishonesty. She further challenged him to produce concrete evidence of her alleged involvement with VBS or issue a public apology. “Should he fail to do so, I demand a public apology for not only lying about me but also tarnishing my reputation,” she said.
The allegation comes amidst a broader political conversation surrounding the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, which saw over R2.3 billion looted from the bank before it collapsed in 2018. Many politicians and businessmen have been implicated, including Malema himself and his close associate, Floyd Shivambu. However, both leaders have denied any wrongdoing, with Malema maintaining his stance that neither he nor his family benefitted from VBS.
In the interview, Malema claimed that the VBS scandal was being used as a tool for factional battles within the ANC, referencing other senior ANC members, including Pandor. “Naledi Pandor was also in the VBS bond or something… they are your darlings; you’ll never know their names,” Malema remarked, insinuating a larger cover-up within the ruling party.
Pandor’s rebuttal was unequivocal, and she expressed dismay over Malema’s tactics. “It is appalling that he would resort to such low tactics in an attempt to damage my good name,” she said. Pandor added that Malema’s comments were not only defamatory but were also meant to divert attention from his own involvement in the VBS saga.
Malema’s claims about ANC members benefiting from VBS bonds have been a recurring theme in his public addresses. Earlier this year, he made similar accusations about other prominent figures. However, the former minister is adamant that she has never had any dealings with VBS and has never received a bond from the bank.
The political fallout from this scandal continues to shake South Africa’s political landscape, with calls for accountability and justice for the pensioners and ordinary citizens who lost their savings due to the bank’s collapse. While some politicians have been held accountable, many others, like Pandor, are fighting back against what they consider to be false accusations.
Pandor’s demand for an apology underscores the seriousness of the claims, as she seeks to clear her name from any association with VBS. Her legal team is reportedly reviewing the situation to explore further steps if Malema does not retract his statement.
This incident is the latest in a series of public spats between the EFF and ANC leaders, which have been marked by accusations, counter-accusations, and political posturing. Whether or not Malema will issue the apology Pandor demands remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the VBS scandal will continue to dominate the headlines as more revelations come to light.
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