Minister Simelane Denies Reports Of R575,000 Loan And Ramaphosa’s Involvement

The embattled Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has recently found herself at the centre of controversy regarding a loan she allegedly received from Gundo Wealth Solutions.

Initial reports suggested that President Cyril Ramaphosa had quizzed Simelane about the loan prior to her appointment, prompting widespread speculation and political debate.

Allegations in the Media

Reports published by Sunday World on October 6, 2024, indicated that during her appearance before the African National Congress (ANC) integrity commission, Simelane claimed that Ramaphosa was aware of the R575,000 loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions before her cabinet appointment.

This information fueled calls for her resignation from various opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), who have labelled the loan transaction as questionable.

Official Response from the Ministry

Responding to these allegations, Tseko Machike, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, strongly refuted the claims made by Sunday World. Machike emphasized that the report was devoid of truth and misrepresented Simelane’s submission to the ANC Integrity Commission.

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According to Machike, the suggestions made in the article are unfair to the minister and President Ramaphosa, stating, “the article does not represent the minister’s submission.

“Moreover, the allegations raised by the DA regarding Simelane’s involvement with Gundo Wealth Solutions were compounded by revelations related to her tenure as the mayor of Polokwane, where she allegedly secured a loan through the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank to fund a coffee shop venture in Sandton.

Political Implications and Call for Resignation

The political ramifications of these allegations are significant as they strike at the credibility of both Simelane and Ramaphosa. The DA’s renewed calls for Simelane to resign underline the political stakes involved as the integrity of public office holders is constantly under scrutiny.

As the situation develops, much attention will be focused on how these accusations will impact the minister’s career and the administration’s efforts to maintain trust within its ranks.