Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a meeting with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane following allegations that she received improper benefits from VBS Bank.
Simelane was implicated in the VBS scandal after a media investigation found that she received a R575 600 loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, and also negotiated a R349 million loan during her time as Polokwane mayor.
Following the reports, the DA and the GOOD Party called for Simelane to resign amid the allegations against her.
Ramaphosa has requested a meeting with Simelane so that she could explain the allegations. He requested a detailed report and briefing from her, a statement said.
“The media reports have linked the minister with monies alleged to have been received improperly from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality,” presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said.
President @CyrilRamaphosa requests briefing from Minister Simelane on the VBS media reports https://t.co/VINzcHwFj0
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 28, 2024
Echoing the DA and GOOD Party’s claims, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has also called for Simelane to resign, TimesLIVE reported.
“The EFF demands Simelane step down immediately as justice minister. Her resignation is the only appropriate course of action to preserve the integrity of our justice system and to allow for an independent and impartial investigation into her actions. Furthermore, we call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in holding her accountable,” the party said.
According to The Citizen, several civil society organisations also called for Simelane to address the allegations, including the Freedom Under Law (FUL), Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Judges Matter and Defend Our Democracy.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
