COPE evaluating evidence to report Joemat Pettersson to Public Protector

26 May 2016  

Never a day goes by without some major revelation concerning some ANC Minister or someone else in government doing something dodgy and doing it secretly.

If Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson secretly sold off 10-million barrels of crude, almost our nation's entire strategic stockpile in a closed tender at rock-bottom prices, without obtaining permission from the Treasury, she will certainly need to be investigated by the Public Protector. COPE will evaluate all of the evidence that becomes available and give consideration to reporting her to the Public Protector.

 The goings on in the ANC government must shake the confidence of the blindest ANC supporters and the most sycophantic MPs in parliament. As no Minister fears any consequences for any wrongdoing, mischief continues to multiply.  

The ANC’s mandate is to govern according to the Constitution. Its mandate is not to endanger society in any way and not to bankrupt the country. With junk status looming, Finance Minister Gordhan must be at his wits end with colleagues such as Tina Joemat-Pettersson doing what she is purported to have done.

The issue of state capture, just a small thing according to Mr Zuma, is a reality. Who bought the crude, at what price and for what reason? Why has Tina Joemat-Pettersson dared to bring South Africa to the very edge of a crisis by depleting the stockpile to cover just one day? If true, this is a treasonable act.

Of course Mr Zuma will giggle. Of course the ANC cabinet will take this in its stride. And of course the ANC caucus will justify what happened rather than hold the Minister accountable. On numerous occasions, we have tried to conscientise the nation to the importance of government adhering strictly to the PFMA. Unfortunately, not even the Auditor General has succeeded in obtaining full compliance.

Indeed all transactions have to be transparent and competitive in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The ANC, however, has no regard for such obligations. Tina Joemat-Pettersson must not pull wool over our eyes and expect us to believe that this was merely "a rotation" of stocks rather than a sale.

We urge Minister Gordhan to make a statement regarding the disposal of the strategic stockpile of crude without the permission of National Treasury. It is very important for him to shine the torch on this serious matter. The public has a right to know.

Issued by Dennis Bloem, COPE Spokesperson, 26 May 2016