Justice Minister to Appear in Parliament Over VBS Allegations

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, is set to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development this week to address allegations that she indirectly benefited from the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.

These allegations surfaced last week, suggesting that while Simelane served as the Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, she received a loan of at least R500,000 from an individual closely linked to VBS Bank.

Xola Nqola, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, emphasized the significance of these allegations, noting that they could impact public perception of South Africa’s efforts to combat corruption.

“The committee has noted with grave concern the serious allegations in media reports regarding an alleged loan to the Minister. These types of allegations are damaging to the image that South Africa is trying to portray as a country ridding itself of any form of corruption,” Nqola stated on Monday. He added that the committee deemed it necessary for the Minister to address Parliament and the South African public about these concerns.

Simelane, during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly last week, pledged her willingness to cooperate with any inquiries from Parliament or the Public Protector regarding the matter. “Permit me to start by making a commitment to this house on my availability with regard to the response, if any is needed by the house, or the committee, or the Public Protector on the issues that are doing the rounds,” she said.

The Minister is scheduled to appear before the committee on Friday. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from Simelane regarding the allegations.