In a recent development surrounding the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, the Ethics Committee of the Parliament has recommended a nine-day salary reduction for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President, Floyd Shivambu. This decision comes after the committee found that Shivambu had received payments totaling R180,000 from the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank in 2017. The payments, which were not disclosed by Shivambu, were identified through an affidavit provided by the liquidator in the VBS liquidation matter.
The committee’s report highlighted that Shivambu received three payments in 2017 from Sgameka Projects Pty Ltd, a company owned by his brother, Brian Shivambu. The payments were made on 18th August (R100,000), 24th August (R30,000), and 26th August (R50,000). These undisclosed payments led the committee to conclude that Shivambu had breached the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests.
While the sanction has been met with mixed reactions, several anti-corruption organizations have described it as a mere “slap on the wrist.” Wayne Duvenage, the chief executive of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, expressed concerns about Shivambu’s role as an MP and questioned when charges would be brought against him by the National Prosecuting Authority. He emphasized that such transgressions should not be taken lightly, especially when they involve public representatives.
DA leader John Steenhuisen, while welcoming the finding against Shivambu, expressed concerns about the leniency of the sanction. He believes that the sanction does not serve as a deterrent for future non-disclosures. Steenhuisen further criticized the EFF for portraying itself as a champion of the poor while being complicit in their suffering.
In another related development, the committee has also found Police Minister Bheki Cele in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct. This decision stems from an incident in July 2022, where Cele had a heated exchange with Ian Cameron, the director of the civil society organization Action Society, during an Imbizo in Gugulethu, Cape Town. The committee has recommended that Cele should publicly apologize for his conduct.
As the VBS controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these sanctions will impact the political landscape and the public’s trust in its representatives.
