Ethics Committee finalizes matter relating to allegations of misconduct against Ms Pinky Kekana
16 November 2022
Following an extensive process that was guided by the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Disclosure of Members’ Interests, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has now concluded its consideration of a complaint against Ms Pinky Kekana, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency.
The matter involved a referral made by the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) that concerned part 4, volume 2 of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture Report, which focused on the Free State asbestos project and R1 billion housing project debacles. The commission’s report highlighted that Ms Kekana received R170 000 from Blackhead Diamond Hill Joint Venture, through a Mr Sodi, without clear evidence that she had provided any goods and/or services to justify the payment.
In line with the rules of natural justice, Ms Kekana was requested to provide the committee with written representations on the content of the report. Ms Kekana acknowledged that she received the money. The committee found that Ms Kekana breached item 10.1.1.1 and item 9.3.7 of the code.
In recommending the penalty for the breach, the committee considered that Ms Kekana stated that she was not the Deputy Minister in the Presidency at the time when she received the money. In addition, her failure to disclose receipt of the money was not intended to mislead Parliament. She had a friendship with Mr Sodi’s wife, who asked Mr Sodi for money for Ms Kekana. At the time when Mr Sodi gave her the money, it was not intended for any kickback or bribe. Ms Kekana also shared certain confidential information with the committee, which it undertook not to disclose.
The committee resolved to recommend to the NA to impose the penalty as stipulated in item 10.7.7.1.(i) of the code, which provides that the Member be reprimanded in the House. The committee’s full report will be made available in the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports and will be tabled in the NA for consideration and implementation.
Issued by Malatswa Molepo, Media Officer, Parliament, 16 November 2022
