President Ramaphosa Receives Report on Justice Minister’s Alleged VBS Bank Links

Magwenya stated that President Ramaphosa will thoroughly review the matter but will refrain from discussing it publicly.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, regarding her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the receipt of the report during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Recent media reports have claimed that while Simelane was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, she obtained a loan of at least R575,000 from a company closely associated with VBS Bank. Simelane has addressed these allegations before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, denying any improper connections with the company.

Magwenya stated that President Ramaphosa will thoroughly review the matter but will refrain from discussing it publicly. "The President will apply his mind to the issue and will not address matters involving Ministers, including Minister Simelane, in the public domain," he said.

He emphasized that President Ramaphosa values the role of the Justice Ministry within the Justice, Security, and Crime Prevention Cluster and is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of integrity within the national executive. The President will carefully consider all facts before reaching any conclusions.

In addition to this, President Ramaphosa is scheduled to appear before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday. During his appearance, he will update the NCOP on various national developments, including the government's efforts to address business extortion, progress in combating unemployment and poverty, and infrastructure delivery.

The President will also address questions related to the second Presidential Health Compact and outline the principles and policy direction of the Government of National Unity.