Simelane: How much more time does the President need?
22 October 2024
How much more time does President Cyril Ramaphosa need to address the scandal surrounding Justice Minister Thembi Simelane?
It has been almost three months since the revelation on 26 August that Simelane received a questionable loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, a company tied to the looting of VBS Mutual Bank. Yet, despite the gravity of this revelation, no meaningful action has been taken.
On 28 August, the President requested a report from Simelane about her alleged improper benefit from VBS-related funds. He received the report on 11 September, yet, after holding the necessary documents for over six weeks, the President continues to delay, claiming on 17 October that he still needs more time.
Simelane’s involvement with VBS is deeply concerning. Allegations suggest that as early as 2021, the President knew about her loan from the company linked to illegal municipal investments in VBS. This raises serious questions about why she was promoted to the role of Justice Minister in the first place.