Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon has made an urgent request to the Speaker of the South African Parliament to put a number of questions to President Thabo Mbeki regarding the Mail & Guardian’s article on a shady oil deal.
The article alleges that the President and his government were involved in a deal which provided financial benefits to relatives of prominent members of his cabinet, as well as to a fundraiser of the African National Congress. The article states that the initial allocation was solicited by Mbeki using the Minister of Trade and Industry as an emissary.
Leon writes: ”Obviously these allegations are not yet substantiated other than by such prima facie evidence as the article contains. However, the allegations are now in the public domain and, with respect, justify a parliamentary intervention.”
He adds the allegations raise serious questions regarding the potential abuse of power and corruption and he believes it is vital that the president deals with the matter expeditiously.
A copy of the letter issued to Speaker Dr Frene Ginwala contains a number of questions put forward by the opposition leader, which he hopes to see the president answer when he sits in on Parliament on June 5.
Leon asks the president:
Was he involved in soliciting a contract between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the Cayman Islands-registered South African Oil Company in or around 1999; if not, what was the cabinet’s role in this contract, if any; if so,
Was he aware of the relationship between the Cayman Islands-registered company and a South African-registered company of the same name which includes shareholders who are relatives of prominent members of his government as well as an ANC [African National Congress] fundraiser; if not, why not; if so, why did he involve himself in this deal;
Will he appoint an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate any corruption, nepotism or abuse of State funds; if not, why not?
Leon adds that he believes Parliament must be seen to be addressing such a serious charge, as it is Parliament’s duty under the Constitution to hold the Executive to account — with the duty being the paramount constitutional obligation placed on Parliament.
Other parties have added their voice to the growing chorus of answer seekers;
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wants a judicial commission of inquiry, whose terms of reference should include determining whether any government
officials, their relations or any political party had benefited from the deal directly or indirectly.
”And whether by acts of commission or omission any high-ranking officials ensured that this scam was not revealed for so many years,” UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said. – Sapa