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Picture courtesy: (SEIFSA) Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the nation during the launch of the SANSI programme, a strategic move towards empowering South Africa’s youth through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The holiday, which cost approximately R680,000, has been a subject of controversy and legal scrutiny for several years.
The case against Mbalula has seen various developments, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously deciding not to prosecute due to a lack of evidence. However, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, after obtaining the docket from the South African Police Service (SAPS), believes there is a substantial case against Mbalula.
The organisation claims that the decision not to prosecute was irrational and that there is evidence suggesting collusion between witnesses and the SAPS, a failure to obtain statements from important witnesses and possible suspects as well as poor cooperation between the SAPS and prosecutors.
Mbalula has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the trip was funded by his family.
The controversy started when it was reported that Sedgars Sports, a supplier to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), allegedly paid R300,000 for the trip. This raised questions about a potential conflict of interest, given Mbalula’s position as the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture at the time.
The Public Protector’s Office had previously found Mbalula in breach of the Executive Ethics Code, and there was evidence to suggest that the trip was fully funded by Sedgars Sport.
Despite these findings, the NPA’s decision not to prosecute was based on the absence of evidence supporting allegations of criminal activity.
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, stated, “After inspecting the evidence, it is abundantly clear that the decision not to prosecute Mbalula was irrational.”
The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, coming days before the May 29 elections. It casts a shadow over the ANC’s campaign and raises concerns about the integrity of its leadership. The electorate’s reaction to these developments remains to be seen, but the party will have to navigate a turbulent political climate in the wake of this scandal.
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