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The DA’s call for a hearing on the allegations of corruption at the Companies Tribunal was shut down by ANC members in today’s meeting of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Portfolio Committee.

The Chairperson of the Committee and other ANC members argued that a written response from DTI Minister, Rob Davies, to the effect that the allegations had been dealt with internally would suffice, and no further enquiry was necessary. They said that the Committee management had “decided not to pursue the matter”.

When myself and DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dean Macpherson MP,  objected to this decision, and tried to argue the case for an enquiry, we were prevented from speaking and the meeting was abruptly adjourned.

This is simply unacceptable, and it gives the strong impression that the ANC is trying to shield the DTI and the Companies Tribunal from scrutiny on these allegations.

The forensic report into alleged corruption at the Companies Tribunal that the DA tabled in Parliament several weeks ago details allegations of serious wrongdoing  by the Chairperson of the Companies Tribunal, Advocate Simmy Lebala SC and his deputy. These allegations cannot be swept under the carpet.

I will therefore write to the Chairperson of the Committee, Joan Fubbs, to request written reasons for her decision not to institute a committee enquiry, and to point out the specific questions I believe that the Chairperson of the Companies Tribunal, Advocate Simmy Lebala SC and Minister Davies should be called to answer - including:

• Why Adv Lebala did not co-operate with the investigation, and
• Whether any money has been recovered from him by the DTI?

The DA will not let the DTI Committee be co-opted into protecting the government. Parliamentary committees are duty-bound to conduct oversight, and our members will not be prevented from exercising that duty.

The forensic report contains strong prima facie evidence of serious wrongdoing. The report recommends that “the DTI take appropriate action and recover all irregular claims paid and overpayments made that cannot be explained to the Minister”.
                                                                                                                     
The report also clearly details the following findings:

• Firstly, that Advocate Lebala SC and Ms Ramagaga inflated their claims for fees and travel by at least R180 000 in one year, but possibly by much more than this;
• Secondly, that two consultants were appointed improperly by senior members of the Tribunal;
• Lastly, that senior members of the Tribunal did not co-operate with the investigation.

Rather than trying to shield certain individuals from accountability, the Portfolio Committee and ANC MPs should be committed to uncovering what is really happening at the Companies Tribunal.

Issued by DA