Riyaz Patel
DA leader Mmusi Maimane handed a copy of the then ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize’s letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa during a Q&A session in Parliament Thursday, asking him what Mkhize meant by the “continued financial support” from Bosasa.
It was not immediately clear where or from whom Maimane got the document from.
The letter dated 31 March 2014, is addressed to to Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson, thanking him for a R3m donation to the governing party, less than two months before the national and provincial elections that year.
“Dear Mr Watson,” Mkhize wrote on an official ANC letterhead, “This serves to acknowledge the receipt of R3,000,000.00 (Three Million Rand) donation to the African National Congress.”
“On behalf of the African National Congress, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to your organisation for this donation and for the continued financial support and contribution your organisation renders to the ANC.
“Your ongoing support for our organisation is appreciated.”
Online platform News24 had previously reported on a picture showing Watson and his colleagues with Mkhize after handing over money to the party at Luthuli House.
Maimane was insistent on being provided with a date on which Ramaphosa would answer. But the president refused to be pressured, saying he would study the letter and respond to Maimane in due course.
But Maimane is not satisfied. In a statement released soon after the House adjourned, the DA leader said demanded a written response in two weeks, particularly:
- Whether as ANC Deputy President at the time, he (Ramaphosa) was aware of the donation; and
- Whether he will instruct the ANC to pay back every cent of money received from Bosasa over the past 15 years.
Maimane further referenced a 2009 SIU report which he said found an improper and corrupt relationship between government officials and Bosasa.
It appears, the DA leader said, that “the ANC may be in the possession of the proceeds of unlawful activities which is an offense in terms of section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime (POCA) Act 121 of 1998.”
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane last month found that Ramaphosa had contravened his oath of office when he “deliberately misled” Parliament over a R500 000 Bosasa donation to his campaign for the ANC presidency.
President Ramaphosa reiterated that his African National Congress (ANC) presidential campaign was above board and involved no criminality or abuse of public resources.
