By Thabo Mosia
The ongoing VBS Mutual Bank scandal has taken a new turn as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the immediate resignation of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane. This demand comes after fresh allegations surfaced regarding Simelane’s involvement in the looting of VBS Mutual Bank, a scandal that has rocked South Africa and implicated numerous political figures. The EFF, led by its Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, has accused Simelane of gross misconduct, asserting that her continued presence in the executive leadership undermines the integrity of the justice system.
Allegations Against Thembi Simelane
Thembi Simelane, who served as the Mayor of Polokwane in 2016, is alleged to have taken a “commercial loan” of R575,600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company implicated in the illegal channelling of R349 million into VBS Mutual Bank. The company, owned by Ralliom Razwinane, facilitated these unlawful investments on behalf of the Polokwane Municipality. According to the EFF, the loan was used by Simelane to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton, a transaction that they claim was part of a broader corrupt scheme involving kickbacks and fraudulent investments.
Julius Malema first raised these concerns during a press conference of the Progressive Caucus on July 18, 2024. He stated that Simelane’s actions were a blatant abuse of power and called for her immediate removal from her position as Justice Minister. The EFF argues that Simelane’s involvement in the VBS scandal, especially given her current role overseeing critical institutions like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), presents an untenable conflict of interest.
ActionSA’s Urgent Complaint
Adding to the pressure on Simelane, ActionSA has filed an urgent complaint with the Public Protector, demanding an investigation into her conduct. Athol Trollip, the leader of ActionSA’s parliamentary caucus, expressed serious concerns over Simelane’s ability to fulfill her duties impartially, given her alleged involvement in the VBS scandal. Trollip highlighted the potential conflict of interest, pointing out that Simelane is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of those implicated in the very scandal she is allegedly connected to.
In their media statement released on August 26, 2024, ActionSA emphasized the need for an independent investigation into Simelane’s actions. The party has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to remove Simelane from her ministerial position should the Public Protector’s investigation confirm the allegations against her. Trollip stated, “The question is whether South Africa’s Justice Minister is possibly the recipient and beneficiary of illicit VBS cash, as the available information suggests.”
Forensic Investigations and Media Revelations
The VBS scandal, which saw over R2 billion looted from the bank, has been the subject of extensive forensic investigations and media scrutiny. According to a report by the Daily Maverick, the forensic investigation into the collapse of VBS in March 2018 revealed that Razwinane received kickbacks amounting to R24.2 million for his role as a commissioning agent for various municipalities and state entities. These funds were allegedly part of the corrupt transactions that contravened the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The report also disclosed that Simelane’s loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions was not a legitimate commercial transaction but rather a bribe thinly veiled as a business deal. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with many South Africans taking to social media to express their dismay at the apparent corruption within the government.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry
The allegations against Simelane have ignited a firestorm on social media, with hashtags like #VBSScandal and #SimelaneResign trending on X (formerly Twitter). Users have expressed their frustration with the government’s handling of corruption cases and called for greater accountability. One user wrote, “How can we trust the justice system when those at the top are involved in the very corruption they are supposed to fight? Simelane must go!” Another user commented, “The VBS scandal has destroyed lives, and those responsible must be held accountable, starting with Thembi Simelane.”
The public outcry reflects a broader disillusionment with the government’s efforts to tackle corruption, particularly within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The involvement of high-ranking officials like Simelane in the VBS scandal has further eroded public trust in the government and raised questions about the integrity of South Africa’s legal and justice systems.
Political Implications and ANC’s Response
The EFF’s call for Simelane’s resignation is not an isolated incident but part of a broader critique of the ANC’s handling of corruption within its ranks. The VBS scandal, which implicated several ANC officials, has been a significant point of contention in South African politics. The ANC has been accused of shielding its members from accountability, a charge that the party has repeatedly denied.
However, the ANC’s response to the latest allegations against Simelane has been notably muted. While some members have privately expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on the party’s image, there has been no official statement from the ANC regarding the EFF’s demands. This silence has only fueled speculation that the ANC is reluctant to act against one of its own, further complicating the party’s efforts to restore public confidence.
ActionSA’s Broader Strategy
ActionSA’s involvement in the Simelane affair is part of the party’s broader strategy to position itself as a champion of accountability and good governance. Since its formation, ActionSA has made anti-corruption a central pillar of its platform, and the party has not hesitated to take on high-profile cases involving senior government officials. By filing a complaint with the Public Protector, ActionSA is seeking to capitalize on public anger over the VBS scandal and bolster its credentials as a party committed to rooting out corruption.
In his statement, Athol Trollip emphasized that the complaint against Simelane is not just about holding one individual accountable but about sending a message that no one is above the law. “The integrity of our justice system is at stake,” Trollip said. “We cannot allow those entrusted with upholding the law to be complicit in corruption. If Minister Simelane is found guilty, she must face the full consequences of her actions.”
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