President receives report on justice minister’s VBS allegations
Minister Thembi Simelane has been accused of receiving a hefty loan from a company closely tied with the now-defunct bank.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane regarding her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
This was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who earlier today briefed the media on the President’s public programme.
Recent media reports claim that Simelane, during her tenure as Polokwane mayor in Limpopo, received a R575 000 loan from a company closely tied to VBS Bank.
Simelane has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, where she denied any improper relationship with the company.
“The president will apply his mind to the matter and will not discuss ministerial issues, including those involving Minister Simelane, in the public domain,” Magwenya said.
Magwenya also highlighted the president’s recognition of the importance of the Justice Ministry within the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster.
“The president is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the national executive and will consider all relevant facts before making a decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa is set to address the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) tomorrow.
“The president will brief the NCOP on national developments, including government’s response to extortion incidents targeting businesses and individuals, as well as progress in combating unemployment and poverty.
“He will also respond to questions on infrastructure delivery and concerns related to the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya stated.
During his NCOP address, the president is expected to outline the principles guiding the Government of National Unity. – SAnews.gov.za
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