ANCYL statement fails to answer serious questions
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted the statement released today by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) regarding its leader, Mr Julius Malema, and the Ratanang Family trust, of which he is a trustee. The statement fails to answer any serious questions of misconduct that hang over Mr Malema's head.
Specifically, the statement does not address the source of the funds of the Ratanang Family trust and what the funds are in exchange for. The ANCYL has attempted to cloud the issue by making reference to various gifts that the trust has paid for, this is irrelevant. It does nothing to dissuade South Africans, from the conclusion that this dodgy trust is being used to bank roll Mr Malema's lavish lifestyle.
As I indicated yesterday, I have today written to the Public Protector's Office to request that she investigate these latest allegations and establish whether or not Julius Malema has been party to large-scale tender manipulation, bribery and corruption. A copy of the letter can be found below.
Text of letter from Dianne Kohler Barnard to the Public Protector:
25 July 2011
Office of the Public Protector
Private Bag X677
Pretoria
0001
Re: Request for investigation into potential breaches of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, No 12 of 2004,
the Public Finance Management Act, No 1 of 1999, and the Municipal Finance Management Act, No 56 of 2003, by Julius Malema, leader of the ANC Youth League, in respect of irregular tender processes
Dear Adv. Madonsela
I am writing to request that you initiate an investigation into possible breaches of the above acts on the part of ANC Youth League leader, Julius Malema. This follows on reports in the City Press of 24 July 2011 alleging that Mr Malema has been receiving payments in return for his assistance in securing lucrative government tenders for various businesses. These payments were reportedly made to the Ratanang Family Trust, of which Julius Malema is a trustee.
We request in particular that an investigation be made into:
The Ratanang family trust and particularly whether there is any prima facie evidence of corruption involving the trust.
MPPJ Property Development, owned by Matome Hlabioua (a close friend of Mr Malema), which has secured tenders totaling almost R215 million since 2008; and
SGL Engineering Projects, a company in which Mr Malema is said to have a 70% share, and which has also received numerous government tenders, to the amount of at least R140 million.
In October last year, you stated that an investigation into SGL Engineering Projects would be re-opened if compelling reasons were to be presented. We believe that these latest revelations constitute a compelling reason to investigate any and all tender processes in which Mr Malema may have been involved.
The tide of allegations against Mr Malema relating to financial impropriety, fraud and corruption has been steadily rising. Thus far, he has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation to any of the questions put to him. As Mr Malema is, inarguably, a public figure, it is in the public interest for these allegations to be investigated, and for the truth to be made known as speedily as possible.
Yours sincerely
Dianne Kohler Barnard
Shadow Minister of Police
Democratic Alliance
Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, DA shadow minister of police, July 25 2011
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