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Today the DA received confirmation  that the Public Protector has decided to investigate, under the Public Protector Act, the possible conflict of interest of Communications Minister Dina Pule in the ICT Indaba.

This will supplement the enquiry we instigated via Parliament’s Ethics and Members’ Interest Committee for a probe into the ethical issues of Ms Pule’s conduct in the outsourcing of the organisation of the event held in Cape Town in June to a company through which her romantic partner Phosane Mngqibisa has a financial interest.

The fallout of how R25,7 million was raised from sponsors for the event and was seemingly withdrawn from the event’s project manager Carol Bouwer’s business bank account by Mr Mngqibisa has been the focus of media attention since mid-June. There are almost weekly revelations of how money has been spent lavishly on items and trips that have tenuous links to ICT Indaba and more to do with a jet-setting lifestyle.

The Public Protector’s investigation will hopefully lift the lid on the extent of Ms Pule’s knowledge and influence over the organisation of the ICT Indaba, the appointment of Mr Mngqibisa as an associate to Carol Bouwer for the event, and any financial gain he may have made from event sponsors.

We need to know whether the minister abused her position of authority over companies in the ICT industry to enrich a close personal friend.

This sorry saga must be thoroughly investigated if industry sponsors are to trust that government departments will spend their money honestly and wisely.