By Akani Nkuna
African National Congress secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed the party is studying Justice Minister Thembi Simelane’s explanation on her involvement in the VBS loan saga.
Mbalula told Inside Politics on Monday that following widespread reports of the minister’s loan saga, she had indeed approached his office to offer her explanation.
“This is a report that explains to the organisation that deployed her as to what happened [with regards to the loan saga]; so that’s the report. It is a routine that happens all the time to all deployees and Thembi is not an exception,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula said the minister’s explanation would be discussed by the party’s national officials this week after which its Integrity Commission would interrogate Simelane. Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the ANC’s national working committee meeting, Mbalula said that “in as far as how she is affected by the debacle in relation to her responsibilities as a minister playing an executive role in terms of the Cabinet of the country; that is the prerogative of the president”.
“We do not want to prejudice any individual in this regard. We follow the processes of the [ANC] that we have set in motion,” said Mbalula.
“What the individua does in the public domain to clear herself in terms of engagement, that is her own call. And she is doing it on her own behalf. It is not the ANC mandate.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa late last month requested a detailed report and briefing from Simelane following her implications in the scandal. This was hot on the heels of growing calls by political parties calling for her head.
The National Prosecuting Authority has said it is investigating the matter. It has not yet indicated if she will be charged.
Simelane has admitted taking a R575,600 loan from a financial entity that served as a fixer for VBS Mutual Bank.
Simelane received the loan in 2016 while she was mayor of Polokwane. It has been linked to Gundo Wealth Solutions, which is involved in the VBS scandal.
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