MALEMA TRUST: FF PLUS BRINGS APPLICATION IN TERMS OF THE PROMOTION OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT
The Freedom Front Plus today brought an application in terms of the Promotion of the Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000, against Julius Malema's Ratanang family trust in order to obtain the trust's financial statements. This application comes against the backdrop of the revelations of the existence of the trust and allegations that the trust funds Malema's lavish lifestyle with income gained from corrupt relationships.
"Malema, in reaction to the allegations, invited the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to do a lifestyle audit of his finances," Adv. Anton Alberts, the parliamentary spokesperson on Youth Affairs for the Freedom Front Plus said.
"Malema indicated that he has nothing to hide and that is why we have now brought this statutory application in order for him to have the opportunity to show that everything is in order with the trust.
It is important to prove that Malema lives according to that which he propagates as he has appointed himself as the mouthpiece of poor black people. In that capacity he makes reckless and wild statements, sings hate speech songs and creates unrealistic expectations with desperately poor people.
His influence is of great interest to South Africa 's future and if he then breaks the law himself or lives unethically, the public should know about it so that the poor are not dragged along by a man which is nothing other than a false prophet," Alberts added.
The FF Plus based its application on the public interest in the prevention of corruption committed by government. In terms of section 41(1)(c) of the Constitution, the government has a responsibility to see to it that all levels of government governs effectively, transparently, responsibly and coherently.
According to the allegations, individuals had, in exchange for financial contributions made to the trust, been awarded state tenders. The public therefore has an interest in establishing whether any individuals had unlawfully obtained financial gains as a result of tender fraud and corruption.
Statement issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus Parliamentary Spokesperson: Youth Affairs, July 29 2011
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