DA to probe due process in key appointments to DBSA

I will today ask questions of the Minister of Finance to probe the alleged move of Moe Shaik to head the international division of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The Sunday Times yesterday reported that "President Jacob Zuma is facilitating Shaik's move through Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who is the shareholder representative."

The DBSA is an institution with a critical role to play in the development of our country and continent. It is important that key positions are held by people with the proper qualifications and competencies to drive the agenda of the bank. Because the DBSA is state-owned, and the Minister of Finance represents the state as shareholder, he has a key role to play in corporate governance at the DBSA.

I will be submitting Parliamentary questions to the Finance Minister to determine:

• What the appropriate appointment procedures are for a senior management role in the DBSA?
• Whether these procedures have, or will be followed, in the appointment of the head of the international division?
• What is the status of the head of the international division post at the DBSA?
• What experience and qualifications are required by the head of the international division?

The DBSA intervenes directly in many aspects of the economy by building capacity and infrastructure. The nature of its work means that the credibility and integrity of senior management is a critical prerequisite to its success. The Democratic Alliance will use parliamentary oversight mechanisms to ensure that proper appointment processes are followed.

Statement issued by Tim Harris MP, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, April 2 2012

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