/ 18 March 2012

Parly secretary confirms using funds for home

Parliamentary secretary Zingile Dingani used the institution’s money on his private home, the Sunday Times has reported.

Dingani spent R186 000 in parliamentary funds on building a boundary wall at his home in Cape Town’s Panorama suburb, he confirmed to the paper through parliamentary spokesperson Luzuko Jacobs.

“A security assessment was carried out on the basis of a series of reported security breaches at the house … This assessment was done by the state security agencies … The work which was carried out was in response to, and based on, the recommendations of the various reports submitted as part of their assessment,” Jacobs said.

In 2009, a senior management meeting, chaired by Dingani, had agreed that financial assistance to parliamentary staff — including loans — be stopped.

“No further advances on salary will be given to employees,” the weekly reported, quoting from the minutes of the meeting.

Dingani, who earned R1.8-million a year, was meant to repay the money in R10 000 monthly instalments but December’s instalment was refunded to him.

Under a dark cloud
Jacobs told the paper the transaction had been approved by Parliament.

The money would be advanced to Dingani on the understanding he would repay it, he said.

ANC chief whip Matole Motshekga released a statement on Sunday, raising concerns over the allegations. It read, “We view these allegations in a serious light, particularly as they relate to the management and integrity of one of the key institutions anchoring our constitutional democracy.”

He called for a speedy investigation to ensure the institution’s administrators did not operate “under a dark cloud”.

“The office of the chief whip has called for the full implementation of the Financial Management of Parliament Act, which provides for proper oversight over Parliament’s administrative and financial operations.” — Staff reporter, Sapa