Share

Popo Molefe: 'fight back' campaign by those unseated by state capture revelations

There is a broader "fight back" campaign underway by those who have been unseated by revelations of state capture at the Zondo Commission into state capture, Transnet chair Popo Molefe said in a statement issued on Tuesday evening.

He emphasised that there is no conflict of interest in a legal firm assisting with forensic investigations at Transnet also sponsoring a golf day run by the Popo Molefe Foundation.

According to Molefe, Transnet has been made aware of what he calls "a smear campaign" in this regard. In Molefe's view, this is an attempt to discredit the ongoing clean-up of corrupt activities at the state-owned company.

"The smear campaign hinges on a supposed conflict of interest with the legal firm that is assisting with forensic investigations, prosecutions and recovery of monies," said Molefe.

"The firm, MNS, is one of many corporates that sponsored a golf day run by the Popo Molefe Foundation to raise funds for disadvantaged young South Africans."

Molefe pointed out that work done by MNS formed the basis for four weeks of disclosures at the Zondo Commission.

According to Molefe, MNS publicly declared its support for the event and announced it in line with its corporate social investment programme. Its support is listed on the Popo Molefe Foundation's website, along with other supporters. He also pointed out that MNS appointed by Transnet in 2017, while he was appoiinted as chair of the SOE only a year later.

"Those behind the smear campaign have also tried to suggest that the board is directly involved in managing the MNS contract, whereas it is a matter of record that the legal team’s work, invoicing and payment is handled by Transnet management," said Molefe.

He added that Transnet also puts on record that it has no involvement in the affairs of the Popo Molefe Foundation and that he has briefed the board of its existence.

"The foundation is above board, has been declared as required, and there are no conflicts in its operation. The foundation has been doing charitable work for more than 20 years, during which a lot of young people acquired access to education they would otherwise have been denied. It is registered with the Department of Social Development and its finances are audited on an annual basis," said Molefe.

"These attempts to smear my character follow a similar pattern to the one pursued when I was chair of PRASA – all of which turned out to have no substance and did nothing to deter me from completing a massive clean-out of corrupt activity."

Molefe warned that, should any allegations on which the "smear campaign" is based be published, it will result in legal action being taken.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent-ruolie
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders