SA Governance Minister Zweli Mkhize Denies R4.5-Million Kickback Claims
In a series of tweets Sunday morning, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has “categorically” denied newspaper reports today that he demanded a R4.5-million “kickback” for a deal made by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Mkhize described the allegations – which were published by the Sunday Times – as “a ridiculous and malicious […]
In a series of tweets Sunday morning, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has “categorically” denied newspaper reports today that he demanded a R4.5-million “kickback” for a deal made by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Mkhize described the allegations – which were published by the Sunday Times – as “a ridiculous and malicious fabrication”.
The Sunday Times’ lead story today claims that Mkhize is allegedly seeking a R4.5 million kickback or ‘facilitation fee’, due to a R210-million loan granted by the PIC to a company called Afric Oil.
The Minister said: “I have never facilitated the said loan negotiations nor have I sought any “facilitation fee” from the said company.
“It is extremely unacceptable and mischievous for my name to be dragged into a matter that I have nothing to do with in this manner.”
Mkhize said he responded to questions from the Sunday Times making it clear he had never facilitated such a loan, and that “I have no relationship with Zonkizizwe Investments” (which the paper had asked).
He revealed that as ANC Treasurer General he met with various companies who “would brief me on their operations, strategies or plans”.
Dr Mkhize said: “This kind of journalism is not only sensational but also unprofessional. In my view it is an attempt to sell copies of the Sunday Times based on an enticing headline which is nothing but sensationalism which lacks substance.”
He pointed out that although the newspaper established that there was a person who confirms having facilitated the PIC loan, “the newspaper still elected 2 make the entire front page headline revolve around me”.
He said the report can “only be meant to tarnish and defame my name without much substance”.
Tagging the Sunday Times, the Minister reiterated his earlier statement that he will “immediately seek legal advice on how to deal with this matter and the recourse I can get”.
DA Shadow Minister of Finance, David Maynier, said the allegations must be probed by Parliament.
“This is just one of several questionable investments made by the Public Investment Corporation, which up until now have included Ayo Technology Solutions Limited, Sagarmatha Technologies Limited, Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. and VBS Mutual Bank,” said Maynier.