Estate agents’ board chief suspended

Johannesburg -  The chairperson of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), Thami Bolani was suspended by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies on Friday, the department of trade and industry said.

"Bolani's removal follows allegations that he has contravened the conditions of his appointment as a member of the board," the department of trade and industry (DTI) said.

"These allegations came about due to disclosures made to the DTI regarding an alleged conflict of interest."

Davies had ordered an independent forensic investigation into the allegations.

"Bolani has undertaken to cooperate fully with the investigation," the DTI said.

"Davies wishes to assure the public that the Estate Agency Affairs Board will continue to function as usual and that the DTI will render all the necessary support in terms of its oversight role to ensure that EAAB operations are not affected during this period."

His removal was temporary, the DTI said.

Earlier this month, the Sunday Times reported that the Hawks were investigating how NCF Consulting Enterprises, of which Bolani is chairperson, allegedly pocketed R200 000 from the EAAB.

According to the report, NCF Consulting Enterprises was paid the money for services as well as adverts placed by the EAAB in the bi-monthly newspaper of the National Consumer Forum, of which Bolani is also chairperson.

However, Bolani said at the time that both the DTI and the EAAB were aware of his involvement in NCF Consulting Enterprises and the National Consumer Forum.

Bolani's temporary removal followed a turbulent year for the EAAB, which came under fire in February when it fired CEO Nomonde Mapetla, who then took the matter to court.