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The African National Congress (ANC) notes the decision by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to remove its Federal Finance Chair and Member of Parliament, Mark Burke, from Parliament’s finance-related committees following serious allegations linked to Kastelo, the fintech company he founded and previously led.

However, this decision does not absolve Mr Burke from accountability, nor does it erase the serious questions arising from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) investigation, court proceedings and allegations involving transactions worth approximately R4 billion.

The issue before South Africans is not merely whether Mr Burke remains on a parliamentary committee, but whether a person who founded and led a company subjected to regulatory scrutiny over suspected exchangecontrol contraventions can continue to hold positions of political responsibility without facing full accountability. Removal from a committee may address a conflict-of-interest concern, but it cannot replace legal processes, investigations or the obligation to answer questions about matters of public interest.

The ANC maintains that Mr Burke must cooperate fully with all investigations and allow the law to take its course. The SARB intervention, the blocking of funds and the subsequent court ruling dismissing Kastelo’s challenge demonstrate that this matter cannot simply be dismissed as a private commercial dispute.

Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law, regardless of political affiliation or position. The DA has consistently demanded accountability from others when allegations arise, yet appears to apply a different standard when confronted with serious questions involving its own leadership structures.

The removal of Mr Burke from parliamentary committees does not provide immunity or bring this matter to an end. Political office cannot shield anyone from scrutiny, and no individual is above the law. The ANC calls on all relevant authorities to follow the facts, follow the money and ensure that accountability prevails.

Issued by the African National Congress