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Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has refuted allegations that he was involved in obtaining money for the ANC from a contractor linked to a R3.5bn PAssenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) contract.
The accusations were initially made by former Prasa boss Lucky Montana during an interview with Daily Maverick. in which Mkhize, who was the ANC’s general treasurer at the time, is said to have provided Angolan businesswoman Maria Gomes with bank account details to deposit money that would benefit the ANC.
This after Prasa awarded the controversial contract to Gomes’ company, Swifambo Rail Leasing, in 2016.
Montana, who has long wanted to testify before Zondo’s commission of inquiry into the capture of the state, made damning allegations that Mkhize played a central role in what would amount to a “donation” of some 80 million rand made to the ANC. by Gomes.
In a statement Tuesday, Mkhize spokesman Lwazi Manzi said the minister would not engage in “hoaxes with Montana.”
“Dr. Mkhize and the ANC have already issued statements on this matter refuting the allegations that he had appointed people to receive and channel funds on behalf of the ANC from the Prasa Swifambo tender. In fact, in February 2018, Dr. Mkhize also provided a statement to the parliamentary public companies portfolio committee chaired by Ms. Zukiswa Rantho at the time, with a statement giving a detailed description and a response to these false and baseless accusations from Mr. Montana. “
Manzi said Mkhize still stood firm in his earlier statements and “therefore, in our opinion, it served no other purpose for him to get angry at Montana in the media rather than subjecting these allegations to a formal and independent process.” .
“Dr. Mkhize recognizes, therefore, that the state capture commission has the powers to fully investigate these matters. He remains fully committed to and supporting the work of the commission. Provide any information and clarity that the commission may require as a former TG of the ANC. This is due to their belief that all citizens, including senior leaders in society, have an obligation to be held accountable and respond to any accusations made against them when requested, ”the statement read.
Last month, the Sunday Times reported that the Zondo commission was expected to scrutinizing Montana’s bank records as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption in the train operation.
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