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Despite the Land Bank's recent turnaround, which is to be applauded, it is worrying, however, that numerous cases of alleged mismanagement, fraud and corruption spanning the last couple of years have come to nothing. This is in spite of the existence of forensic reports, some of which contain enough evidence to build corruption charges against numerous individuals. This lack of decisive action has resulted in up to R2 billion of money lost to the taxpayer, being unaccounted for. The following cases have not been resolved: · A report on expenditure of some R570 million outside of the Bank's mandate on lifestyle developments such as golf estates and residential property developments - dating to 2007 · A report on expenditure of R146 million on IT infrastructure which the Bank did not need - dating to 2007 and 2008 · Alleged corruption of millions of rand under the Mafisa scheme for emerging farmers - dating to 2006! · Alleged corruption of millions of rand in the AgriBEE Fund -dating to 2008 · Numerous other internal probes by the Bank's internal audit section and private detectives During hearings of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in July this year, the interim CEO of the Land Bank, Phakamani Hadebe avoided answering questions about possible criminal action against former employees because, he maintained, the matters were in the hands of various investigating authorities who should take that decision. How much longer must South Africans wait to hear what really transpired in the Land Bank? Some of the alleged transgressions date back as far as 2006 and 2007, and any further delay simply fuels the view that the government and/or its agencies are either busy with a massive cover-up, or are kicking for touch in the hope that the matter will eventually disappear. Hopefully the Minister of Finance under whose political control the Land Bank now falls, will keep the promise he made at the Bank's results meeting on 17 August that "no stone will be left unturned in dealing with these fraud cases." This is a refreshing remark seen against the backdrop of ducking and diving by various other politicians previously, particularly former Agriculture minister Lulu Xinwana, and more recently Deputy Finance Minister Nene. When the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries next meets to engage the Land Bank on their 2008/09 Annual Report, the DA will use this avenue to ensure that some clarity is provided as to why these matters have not been resolved. The DA will continue to pursue these matters vigorously until justice is served, and we call on the government to stop hiding behind the backs of investigating authorities.