Mashatile tells MPs to accept Phala Phala findings as they are

Deputy president, Paul Mashatile, says the findings of the Phala Phala report must be accepted as they are presented.

Mashatile addressed the matter during his Questions and Answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s controversial farm saga saw several government institutions spearhead investigations into the matter, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Office of the Public Protector.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the latest institution to have cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing in relation to the 2020 multi-million-dollar theft at his Limpopo farm.

Ramaphosa came under fire after former spy boss Arthur Fraser put him on blast, accusing him of concealing an alleged $580 000 theft that took place at his farm.

The Reserve Bank said it could not conclude that the Exchange Control Regulations were breached.

It further revealed that there was no legal entitlement on the part of Ntaba Nyoni Estates CC, which owns Phala Phala, to make any declarations.

In June, the Acting Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka also let Ramaphosa off the hook after her office found that there was no evidence indicating that he either works at Phala Phala or received remuneration from the farm.

Mashatile says state institutions and law enforcement authorities must be allowed to do their work without any undue pressure or any form of interference.

“I know that there are those when work is done they start saying, these people are biased and whatever, lets respect these institutions, once they make their findings. We should accept that.”

Mashatile says these institutions, which are established by Parliament, act independently and with integrity.

The Deputy President also reiterated that government and the president have committed to be subjected to the laws of the country.

“We reiterate our support for the rules of the national assembly as agreed and adopted by the house.

“We also reiterate our support for all Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 institutions and other law enforcement agencies who continue to hold those in power accountable.”