By Phenyo Selinda
Pretoria, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, following allegations that she was involved in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal. This comes after media reports claimed that Simelane, while serving as Mayor of Polokwane, received a loan of R575,000 from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company closely linked to VBS Bank, which was involved in unlawful financial transactions with municipalities across Limpopo.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa is “applying his mind” to the matter and will make a decision after thoroughly reviewing the facts. Simelane has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, where she denied any wrongdoing, stating that her dealings were transparent and that the loan was a commercial one, unrelated to any impropriety with VBS.
This matter has drawn widespread attention from both political parties and civil society organisations. ActionSA has called for an urgent investigation by the Public Protector, while the Democratic Alliance has urged Parliament’s Justice Committee to further question Simelane. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have demanded Simelane’s immediate resignation, labelling her actions “criminal,” and the GOOD party has echoed similar concerns, stating that it is “untenable” for her to continue serving as Minister while implicated in such serious allegations.
Civil society groups, including Freedom Under Law and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, have raised concerns over the implications of corruption allegations within such an important ministry, stressing the need for accountability to maintain public trust in governance. They emphasized the need for Simelane to respond fully and transparently to the accusations.
Meanwhile, the President is expected to address the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) soon, where he will update the nation on various government responses to issues like extortion and infrastructure delivery, and he is expected to outline the principles guiding the Government of National Unity (GNU). The outcome of Simelane’s case remains a critical matter for the integrity of Ramaphosa’s administration, particularly given the high-profile nature of the Justice Ministry within South Africa’s governance framework.
This case continues to be monitored closely, with political and legal ramifications that could impact Simelane’s future within Ramaphosa’s cabinet. The President has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the highest level of integrity within his executive, and the decision on Simelane’s fate will be made once all the facts have been considered.
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