Party members implicated in VBS saga will be investigated: ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has affirmed its position concerning the alleged involvement of party’s officials and leaders in VBS saga.

This comes after allegations that Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Thembi Simelane secured a loan of R500 000 from a company that brokered investments of nearly R350 million on behalf of the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank in 2016.

Simelane was the mayor of Polokwane when she allegedly secured the loan. She reportedly used the money to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton, Gauteng.

The ANC in Limpopo says while the allegations against Minister Simelane still have to be investigated and tested, it remains unwavering in its conviction that party officials implicated in the widespread VBS looting are not immune to investigations.

Political Analyst Khanyi Magubane says the scandal will be a big test for the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“This is one of the GNU biggest tests because it is the biggest irony to be honest the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister being implicated in such serious allegations and I think we can just look at this politically and what it means for the GNU. Our Minister Thembi Simelane is holding a very powerful position but also it is a position that requires the political actor to be above reproach. One that requires the incumbent to be somebody that beyond the scandals and I think that the GNU needs to really be united and act as one voice. I know the DA has come out and has made it clear that she should be hauled before Parliament, and I think that the GNU as a whole should call for that because we don’t want it to look as if some parts of the GNU as party to such behaviour or that they condone it if they condemn it they have to do it as a collective,”

Video: VBS saga – DA wants Simelane to account in Parliament: Khanyi Magubane