/ 23 May 2002

Morkelgate: will Harksen tell all?

Controversial German businessman Jurgen Harksen will appear before a commission of inquiry on Thursday to — perhaps — tell all about his dealings with former Western Cape premier Gerald Morkel.

Morkel, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province, has denied taking donations for the party from Harksen, who is facing multi-million rand fraud and tax charges in South Africa and Germany.

However he has conceded his relationship with the German was ”inappropriate”.

Harksen has been subpoenaed to appear before the Desai commission of inquiry, which is probing alleged irregularities in the administration under Morkel’s tenure, as well as the relationship between the two men.

The German is being held in Goodwood prison; Morkel is currently mayor of Cape Town.

On Tuesday DA leader in the provincial legislature Hennie Bester told judge Siraj Desai that he and other senior figures in the party, including Morkel, did debate about whether to accept money from Harksen.

However he opposed the idea, and to the best of his knowledge no money was actually accepted.

Advocate Craig Webster, who is leading evidence for the commission, declined to say on Wednesday what areas Harksen’s testimony would cover.

”It’s tomorrow’s surprise package,” he said.

Harksen’s lawyer, Zirk Mackay, said he was unable to say what Harksen would talk about.

”We don’t know what they’re going to ask him,” he said. ”Far from him going to tell his story, it’s a question of him being asked questions.”

Thursday’s proceedings begin at 10am in the provincial administration offices in Dorp Street. – Sapa