Canyon Springs: Repaying textile workers does not absolve Enoch Godongwana

Former Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Enoch Godongwana, has stated his intention to repay part of the money Canyon Springs Investments stole from textile workers' pension funds (see here).

The former Deputy Minister owns a share of Canyon Springs Investments. Mr Godongwana has said that he does not wish to be associated with the defrauding of textile workers' pension money. But it is not enough for him to simply express regret and repay the money stolen from the pension funds of workers. 

If there was wrongdoing on Mr Godongwana's part, he must be held accountable. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will push for Mr Godongwana, and Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel, to appear before the Economic Development Portfolio Committee to explain their roles in the disappearance of the textile workers' pension funds. 

If they were indeed innocent bystanders, this would be the perfect opportunity to clear their names in public.  Mr Godongwana also needs to account for his deeds in accordance with the law. 

The DA has opened a case with the South African Police Service regarding the former Deputy Minister's conduct.  This case has been referred to the SAPS Commercial Branch and the investigation is ongoing. If there was any criminal conduct on Mr Godongwana's part, the law must run its course. 

Statement issued by Kobus Marais MP, DA Shadow Minister of Economic Development, January 30 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter