President Thabo Mbeki has appointed a commission of inquiry into the alleged illicit activities of certain South African companies or individuals relating to the United Nations oil-for-food programme in Iraq.
The commission will be chaired by advocate Michael Donen.
Opposition parties had asked for a probe into the saga in which South African companies allegedly received South African ruling-party support as well as alleged kickbacks from the Iraqi regime of then president Saddam Hussein.
The commission — which starts with immediate effect — was appointed in terms of Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution, the Presidency said on Friday.
The commission will report to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Brigitte Mabandla within the next three months ”or, with the minister’s consent, soon thereafter”, said the Presidency in a statement.
Advocate Khehla Chauke and Senior Superintendent Lucy Moleko will serve as additional members of the commission.
Chauke serves on the specialised commercial crime unit of the National Prosecuting Authority. Moleko serves on the serious economic crime unit of the South African Police Service. — I-Net Bridge