Gordhan is under fire for withholding information about the SAA deal, according to the Cape Times.
Parliamentarians have chastised Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan for withholding documents related to the SAA deal after former Director-General Kgathatso Thlakudi accused the transaction of corruption.
On Wednesday, the portfolio committee on public enterprises resolved to write to Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, stating that their investigation has been stalled because Gordhan has refused to cooperate and hand over documents.
Thlakudi claimed that the SAA transaction was vastly undervalued by billions of rands.
Parliamentary legal adviser Andile Tetyana stated that several attempts were made to obtain documents relating to the sale of SAA to Takatso, but they were unsuccessful.
“The committee expressed concern that the documents that the minister failed to submit were critical in order for the committee to test the veracity of the allegations.”
As a result, the minister’s failure to submit that evidence has not aided the process and has not provided the committee with any tangible evidence to persuade the committee not to believe some of the former director-general’s allegations.
“The lack of transparency in the SAA transaction, as well as the lack of documentary evidence, cast further doubt on whether the SAA transaction was completed.”
“It’s possible that the transaction itself is shrouded in secrecy,” Tetyana said.
The committee’s chairperson, Khaya Magaxa, stated that they will have to refer the matter back to the Speaker for guidance.
However, if the documents are commercially sensitive, the committee can summon Gordhan to appear in private.
EFF MP Omphile Maotwe stated that they have been unable to complete their work due to Gordhan’s refusal to hand over documents.
She suggested that Gordhan’s decision to withhold documents was motivated by sinister motives.
“He has not provided a credible response to the former DG’s allegations, and as a result, it makes our lives very difficult because we are only hearing one side of the story.”
She stated that they should request that Mapisa-Nqakula form an ad hoc committee to look into the matter further.
The fact that Gordhan has been withholding documents, according to DA MP Samantha Graham-Maré, casts doubt on his story about the SAA deal.
She claimed Gordhan was uncooperative after the committee made several attempts to obtain the documents.
Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, deputy leader of the IFP, said Gordhan’s actions raised further concerns about whether he was treating Parliament with respect.
Buthelezi also agreed with the proposal to refer the case back to Mapisa-Nqakula.
He also agreed with the proposal to form an ad hoc committee to investigate the SAA deal.
Magaxa stated that they did not want to rush into forming an ad hoc committee to investigate the corruption allegations in the SAA deal because the portfolio committee could still do its job.
He stated that they will notify Mapisa-Nqakula that Gordhan is withholding critical documents.
“With the exception of this part of the ad hoc committee, we agree.” The ad hoc committee will be decided by her (Mapisa-Nqakula). But we still have a role to play as a committee, even if that means legally compelling the minister to provide us with the documents to account for in camera because we have that responsibility. “We have the necessary abilities,” Magaxa stated.
The legal adviser agreed that Parliament has the authority to summon any member of Parliament or member of the general public.
Magaxa stated that the report will be forwarded to Mapisa-Nqakula.
