Mansions for Ministers: DA to write to Willie Hofmeyr

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) needs to clarify what the terms of reference, the progress and the likely date of completion is for the ongoing investigation into the Public Works Department's property programme.

I have today written to the head of the SIU, Willie Hofmeyr, requesting an update on the investigation.

The current investigation was mandated by President Zuma on the 21st of July 2010 in a Presidential Proclamation and has been ongoing for more than a year. The SIU should thus be able to provide some clarity on the unanswered questions relating to ‘Mansions for Ministers'. I will pose the following questions to Mr Hofmeyr:

• What the terms of reference of the investigation are
• When the investigation is expected to be completed 
• What progress has been made with regards to the investigation into the Department's property programme 
• Whether the investigation has managed to uncover any unlawful or improper conduct by members of the Public Works Department thus far

According to sources, the SIU has taken its foot off the gas with regards to this investigation. The reason is unclear. Speculation is that the SIU is under increasing pressure from the NPA and we wonder whether that is linked to the long time it has taken to investigate this matter. We will continue to ask probing questions to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, DA Shadow Minister of Public Works, September 1 2011

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