Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane did not explain herself to the Cabinet meeting in connection with the allegations implicating her in receiving funds from the VBS Mutual Bank.
Briefing the media on Thursday on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Maropene Ramokgopa said the process relating to the VBS allegations against Simelane was to be handled by President Cyril Ramaphosa and did not have come to the Cabinet Ramaphosa recently requested a detailed report and briefing from Simelane following reports that she allegedly received money improperly from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as mayor of the Polokwane Municipality.
The justice portfolio committee confirmed that Simelane would appear before it on Friday.
“The committee will also engage the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development on the VBS Mutual bank allegations,” read the statement. Simelane ducked corruption-related questions for the second time during the question and answer session in the National Council of Province late on Wednesday.
Her deputy, Andries Nel, stepped in while she took others related to the judiciary, among others.
When DA MP Nicholas Gotsell charged that Simelane’s integrity was compromised without swift action of Ramaphosa, Nel said, during a follow-up questions, the minister was on record immediately after allegations were levelled against her, saying she would cooperate with all relevant law enforcement agencies and other constitutional bodies.
“She has indicated that she will account to the relevant structures in Parliament. That is scheduled to take place this coming Friday (today),” he said.
“There is no effort at all to hide anything from anyone or to shirk accountability. I think that should suffice for now,” he said.
When she took to the podium to answer questions, Simelane said: “I am not on holiday. I am equally at work.”
Cape Times