On Friday, 23 November, just before noon, DA supporters marched to the office of African Global, formerly known as Bosasa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) claim that President Cyril Ramaphosa had misled parliament about an amount of R500 000 that was paid to him last year.
Photos: Natasha Pretorius
DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, said that Ramaphosa had lied when he said that his son had earned the money by doing consultation work, and that he had seen the contract for the work done.
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But when it emerged that the money was in fact for the President’s personal campaign, Maimane said he tried to beat the media to the story by issuing a retraction and correction.
He said that this was a serious breach of conduct in terms of the Executive Members Ethics Act and not just an innocent mistake. Maimane has referred the matter to the Office of the Public Protector for investigation.
“Bribery is a system of corruption that has become part of the very fabric of the ANC government. A system that we can only eradicate through a party reshuffle, and not a cabinet reshuffle,” he explained.
The DA said that African Global Group has been granted government contracts of more than R10 billion. These contracts are for Correctional Services, Home Affairs, Social Development and the Airports Company of SA.
Some reports state that over 400 criminal cases involving Bosasa have been referred to the National Prosecuting Agency by the Special Investigating Unit.
The DA claims that this company has been investigated for large-scale fraud for more than a decade.
“We can’t have double standards when it comes to bribery and corruption – particularly not when it involves the highest office of the country. The President’s links to Bosasa – including all payments made to him, to the ANC and to his son, whether directly or through shell companies, third parties or trust accounts – must be investigated in detail,” said Maimane.
They claim that it has been six days since they have called for an investigation into the R500 000 paid by African Global, but they still have not received a straight answer.
Maimane added that a promise to pay back the money is not good enough.
“Because if it were, then every criminal ever caught out could simply say they will pay back the money and walk away scot-free. When it comes to accountability, we have far higher standards than that. When it comes to your Bosasa money Mr President, we demand the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – whatever the consequences for you and your party,” he explained.
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