Vrede Dairy Project: MEC Zwane in contempt of Speaker's ruling

03 July 2015

The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Free State, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane, is in contempt of a ruling of the Speaker of the Legislature, Ms Mamiki Qabathe.

During the sitting of 17 June 2015 the MEC was unwilling to reply to questions on the controversial Vrede Dairy Project indicating that he had already done so. The questions relate to the cancellation of the contract with Estina and alleged payments made to Estina in terms of such a cancellation. ESTINA was the private sector partner in this project, but as implementing agent were already paid R173 million by the provincial department even though they were supposed to invest own funds into the project.

Inquiries with the administration of the Legislature indicate that no such replies have been received which implies that he deliberately misled the House. On my request the Speaker instructed him in a formal ruling that he should reply by Monday, 22 June 2015. To date no replies have been received which means that the MEC is in contempt of the ruling of the Speaker. I have requested the following from the Speaker in a letter dated 01 July 2015:

1. That the MEC is instructed to submit the reply immediately.

2. That the matter of his misleading the House be referred to the Ethics Committee for investigation.

3. That the matter of his contempt of a formal ruling of the Speaker in the House be referred to the Ethics Committee for investigation.

4. That the Speaker will ensure that measures are put in place that protect the rights of MPL’s to receive replies to questions in terms of the Standing Rules and Orders.

5. That the Speaker will implement measures that ensure that the constitutional mandate of the Legislature, which is to ensure accountability and oversight over the Executive, are put in place.

The DA will not relent on the controversial Vrede Dairy Project. We want answers and we will pursue all avenues open to us to access information. The project is mired in secrecy and that can only mean that the project is corrupt. The DA is determined to expose this project for what we believe it is, a money laundering racket.

Statement issued by Roy Jankielsohn, Leader of the Official Opposition in the Free State Provincial Legislature, July 3 2015