The DA will be requesting an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) into the alleged acceptance of a bribe by ANC Chairperson, Baleka Mbete, to guarantee a deal for Gold Fields in the allocation of mining rights for its South Deep mine.

Under the Prevention and Combatting  of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004, any person is guilty of corruption if they accept gratification from any other person for their own benefit or another; or if such action amounts to the abuse of position of authority.

The DA is compelled under the same act to report any offence or suspected offence of corruption. Section 34(1) of the Act requires any person who holds a position of authority and who knows or ought to have reasonably known or suspected that any other person has committed an offence, to report it.

The deal and Mbete’s alleged acceptance of a bribe might be investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Justice Department in the United States of America, according to media reports. South Africa’s investigative authorities, particularly the Hawks, have a duty to investigate corruption and serious economic offences and cannot leave this to international organisations.

Mining has a vital role in creating jobs and driving development. If our mining industry is to attract the investment it requires in order to flourish, it needs to be credible. Corrupt activities, or even the perception of corruption, will drive away investment and threaten jobs. The industry must be clean and must be seen to be corruption free.