FIFA bribery: Mbalula’s no-show exposes ANC’s contempt for accountability 

23 June 2015

The DA is disappointed that the appearance of Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, before the Portfolio Committee to provide answers regarding the 2010 World Cup bribery allegations has been postponed.

Minister Mbalula was scheduled to account to Parliament today on the $10 million World Cup bribery allegations.

At the last minute Minister Mbalula informed the Chairperson that he would be unavailable. 

This is despite a long-standing commitment that he would be available to appear before the Portfolio Committee today.

Is this really a responsible way to deal with the single biggest reputational crisis facing sport in our country?

The DA has repeatedly called for Danny Jordaan, Molefi Oliphant, and the other members of the Bid and Local Oraganising Committee to account to Parliament.

It is now clear that the ANC members of the Portfolio Committee are colluding with the Minister to further delay accountability on this issue. 

The postponement of the Minister's appearance reinforces our view that the ANC is determined to shield the Minister, Danny Jordaan and others from scrutiny on this matter.

How many more revelations must emerge from international entities before we hear the truth from the mouths of our own officials?

South Africans will forever remember the pride and joy of the 2010 World Cup but deserve answers from those who were involved in the bid and organising committees.

The DA will continue to pursue all parliamentary channels to ensure that former members of the 2010 bid and local organising committees are held accountable for transfer of $10million to CONCACAF. 

Statement issued by Solly Malatsi MP, DA Shadow Minister of Sports and Recreation, June 23 2015