DA seeks public access to Simelane’s report on VBS loan to Ramaphosa

Thembi Simelane

Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is seeking access to a report submitted by Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane to President Cyril Ramaphosa, explaining a controversial R575,000 loan she allegedly received from a broker linked to the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank.

The DA has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application, arguing the public deserves transparency on why the president has not acted against Simelane, EWN reported. 

The loan, reportedly used to purchase a coffee shop, was secured from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a broker accused of receiving kickbacks from VBS Bank. At the time of the transaction, Simelane was mayor of Polokwane.

Despite submitting her explanation in September, the president has yet to make a decision on the matter.

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DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach criticised the delay, emphasising the need for public accountability and calling Simelane too conflicted to continue in her role.

“This is done in the public interest, and to allow the public to decide for themselves. The PAIA process seems to be the only way to get the answers South Africa needs,” the report quoted Breytenbach as saying.

The DA contended that inaction on this issue undermined trust in South Africa’s justice system, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) continued to prosecute those involved in the VBS scandal.

Simelane has also faced scrutiny from Parliament’s justice committee regarding the loan.

In September, the presidency said that Ramaphosa will not publicly comment on allegations against Simelane.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said at the time that the president was reviewing a report from Simelane and will decide on the matter privatel

y.

“President Ramaphosa is in receipt of a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ms Thembi Simelane. As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with ministers, including Minister Simelane in the public domain.

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