Scopa to institute inquiry at DBSA

1st June 2021 By: Tasneem Bulbulia - Senior Contributing Editor Online

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on June 1 received a briefing from development finance institution the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) about the allegations of corruption, fraud and maladministration that were brought to Scopa by political party United Democratic Movement (UDM) president Bantu Holomisa.

In a statement, Scopa said it had noted the remarks made by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, who is the executive authority responsible for the DBSA.

The committee said it had also noted the responses and explanations provided by the DBSA on this matter.

“The responses and explanations from the DBSA did not assist the committee with the information it required. The committee is satisfied with the fact that it provided both parties [the opportunity] to state their cases,” Scopa said.

Scopa will now start the process of instituting an inquiry into the DBSA, it added.

It noted that the committee would consult with Parliament Legal Services on the process to follow as it begins this process.

During the inquiry, the submission made by Holomisa will be considered, as well as the submission made today by the DBSA. The committee will also work with the office of the Auditor-General and the Special Investigating Unit in this matter, Scopa said.