Tokyo Sexwale names Advocate Geoff Budlender to lead independent investigation into allegations around Trillian Capital Partners
Following several media reports regarding allegations around Trillian Capital Partners, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, independent non-executive chairman of Trillian decided to set up an enquiry to investigate the veracity of these allegations.
This investigation enjoys the full support of the board of Trillian, which passed a special resolution in respect thereof.
Futhermore Trillian’s management led by Dr Eric Wood has given its assurance for its fullest cooperation with the investigation.
After carefully looking at all relevant matters, Mr Sexwale in a media release on 26 October, gave an undertaking to appoint a reputable well known personality to spearhead the investigation into these allegations. After consultation a number of prominent advocates were considered and some were consulted.
Advocate Geoff Budlender who is based in Cape Town has been appointed to lead the investigation. He is instructed by Cheadle Thompson & Haysom Inc. which has been retained for this purpose.
Basically, the matter concerns allegations about an executive of Trillian having had prior knowledge of the removal of former Finance Minister Mr Nhlanhla Nene by President Jacob Zuma and his replacement with Minister Des van Rooyen.
The terms of reference upon which Adv Budlender will be focusing includes inter alia:
Investigating the veracity of the allegations around Trillian particularly as reported in the Sunday Times of 23 and 30 October 2016, especially based upon reports around a whistleblower who ostensibly is a former employee of the company;
Investigating whether members of the Gupta family have ownership in company in any form;
Investigating whether indeed Trillian’s Chief Executive Dr Wood did have prior knowledge of the dismissal and appointment of the Finance Minister which he shared with any other person in the company and upon which any other person acted for commercial purposes;
Investigating corporate governance within Trillian and related parties and if any of the country’s laws have been violated; and
Investigating matters on country governance with regard to how, if at all, information which ought to be the sole preserve of the President of the Republic, such as changing ministers, ended up in business circles including Trillian.
Adv Budlender has been encouraged and is free to consult and cooperate with any of the country’s law enforcement agencies including the Public Protector as he sees fit. Mr Sexwale thus invites anyone with information whatsoever to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Corruption is threatening the body and soul of this country and should not be allowed to corrode the fabric of society. We should all be seen to be resolute in fighting the scourge.
Caption: Mr Tokyo Sexwale independent non-executive chairman of Trillian Capital Partners addresses members of the media during at a press conference held at the offices of the company in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg on Friday 4 November 2016. Pictures: Denvor de Wee/Visual Buzz SA.
Statement issued by Trevor Neethling on behalf of Trillian Capital Partners, 4 November 2016
