NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION NO. 2878-2014 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 NOVEMBER 2014 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.28-2014)

The question reply No. 2878 is submitted on 9 December 2014.

Dr. G A Grootboom (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:

(1). What is the status of the investigation into fraudulent and corrupt activities pertaining to the Windybrow Theatre in Johannesburg;

(2). whether the investigation has been finalised; if so, (a) What were the findings, (b) were criminal charges laid and (c) what disciplinary actions were taken? NW3521E

REPLY:

1. The forensic audit was concluded and the final report was issued in June 2014.

2. (a). The investigation was finalised, the findings include overpayments, irregular payments, unauthorised payments, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure as well as non-compliance with the local authority regulations.

 (b). Yes, the criminal charges have been laid against the former (Chief Executive Officer) CEO: Mr Vuyo Mphela and the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Mr Allie Achmat. The case is being investigated by the Serious Economic Offences Unit and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS). Furthermore, a civil claim will also be instituted against the officials implicated and the companies cited in the forensic audit report.

(c). The two executive members (CEO and CFO) were dismissed in March 2014.

Question Reply No. 2878 is approved by the Minister.

Issued by Parliament, December 10 2014

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