GEPF PwC report: DA to submit PAIA application

The DA will submit an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to gain access to a forensic report compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) into alleged corruption relating to the awarding of an advertising tender at the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) (see BDLive report).

According to media reports, the cost of the advertising contract jumped from around R500 000 to R20 million following a string of supply chain irregularities. The Fund's Principal Executive Officer, John Oliphant, has been suspended as a result. 

The PwC forensic report is believed to contain:

• Recommended actions to be taken against a number of individuals;
• Details of how John Oliphant irregularly approved payments to advertising company MojoMotherRussia; and
• Multiple instances of contravention of the Fund's supply chain requirements.

Though the DA welcomes the swift action of the GEPF Chair, Arthur Moloto, to suspend Mr Oliphant, greater transparency is required for the sake of all pensioners who are reliant on the fund. 

The DA is committed to finding the real reasons for the suspension, in the best interest of all government employees who belong to the GEPF. Indeed, there should be no short change, short cuts or secrecy surrounding the investments and operation of the GEPF.

Statement issued by David Ross MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Finance, November 18 2013

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