Stuart Hess
Support for former African National Congress Western Cape leader Allan Boesak waned swiftly this week as his trial got under way in the Cape High Court.
When Boesak returned from the United States last year to face fraud and theft charges, thousands of supporters welcomed him at the airport. He was greeted with a hug from the Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, and carried shoulder high by others. But there was no sign of support from the ANC as his trial proceeded this week.
Except for Monday, when a small group demonstrated in front of the court, Boesak’s trial has progressed with little fanfare.
The former ambassador designate to Geneva was accompanied by his wife, Elna, on Monday, along with his four children from his first marriage. But by Tuesday the public gallery was noticeably empty as the dry-as-dust accounting testimony proceeded.
Boesak pleaded not guilty to 32 counts of fraud and theft involving about R1,1-million in foreign donor aid. The state alleges Boesak misappropriated money donated to the Foundation for Peace and Justice – a body established by the former anti-apartheid activist to uplift impoverished communities.
Forensic accountant Dawn King testified this week about a complex web of cheques, accounts and payments made by Boesak for various items, including vehicles, security for his home and his wedding reception in February 1991.
During her testimony, King highlighted money earmarked by the Church of Norway for nine welfare projects which failed to reach at least five of them. Of the R250 000 donated by the church, only R65 000 reached the intended recipients. Projects which failed to receive funding included the Marienthal Food Aid project and Child Protection Services.
The court adjourned on Wednesday after the accountant complained of a sore throat following three days of testimony.
More than 160 witnesses are lined up to testify at the trial, including Desmond Tutu, former ANC Western Cape leader Reverend Chris Nissen and Dr Beyers Naude.
The foundation’s former bookkeeper and one of Boesak’s close associates, Freddie Steenkamp, will also testify for the state. Last year Steenkamp was convicted of fraud and theft and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.