Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
22 August 2023 | 10:16am SAST
1-min read

Picture: DFA

In a radio interview on Radio Islam International this morning, the topic of the Reserve Bank’s clearance of allegations against President Ramaphosa in the Phala Phala scandal was discussed. Chief Executive Officer of OUTA, Wayne Duvenage, spoke about the situations’ legal aspects, implications, and the potential involvement of civil society.

The controversy centres around a transaction involving the President and a Sudanese businessman, where $580,000 in foreign currency was received. The Reserve Bank’s stance suggests that the transaction was not perfected, leading to the estate owned by the President not being legally entitled to the funds. This has led to the Reserve Bank’s clearance of the President, arguing that without a completed transaction, there may be no irregularities to report.

Duvenage expressed his scepticism regarding the technicality-based clearance. He acknowledged the oversight entities involved, including the public protector, SARS, and the NPA, who are responsible for scrutinising the matter further. However, he highlighted the optics of the situation, noting that having a significant amount of foreign currency unaccounted for raises concerns of impropriety and potential money laundering.

The conversation shifted to the role of civil society in addressing the issue. Duvenage emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and allowing oversight entities like the NPA and courts to carry out their responsibilities. He acknowledged the delays that often plague legal processes in the country, highlighting the need for timely resolutions to maintain public trust in the government.

The discussion also touched on a separate matter concerning escalating rates in Johannesburg. Duvenage conveyed the importance of ensuring that due process is followed, preventing local government from abusing its power by subjecting citizens to unjustified revenue increases. He raised concerns about property owners being priced out of the market due to high rates and taxes, urging local government to engage with civil society to find a balanced solution.

This article is a summary of a radio interview.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaiman Ravat here.