Calls for Balfour probe
2008-11-11 22:07
Cape Town - A number of calls have been made for an investigation into the allegations made against Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour by the weekend newspapers.
The National Council of Provinces heard one such call at the start of its afternoon plenary on Tuesday when a member called for an inquiry which would clear the minister of the allegations against him - or not.
The Independent Democrats' chief whip Lance Greyling also called for a comprehensive investigation into Balfour over the allegation that he told his new director-general, Xoliswa Sibeko, to squash an investigation into a R200m catering contract with Bosasa.
Greyling said: "The Independent Democrats remain highly suspicious of the ANC government's motives for sidelining former director-general Vernie Petersen, who courageously investigated the Bosasa contract against Balfour's instructions.
"Balfour himself is being probed for a discounted 4x4 vehicle financed by Kgwerano Asset Finance, which allegedly has links with Bosasa."
He said his party regards the latest allegation as more evidence that the ANC "government is not serious about combating corruption, and calls on President Kgalema Motlanthe to suspend Balfour pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct.
"It appears that the ANC as a party and a government is continuing to reward those within their ranks who commit corruption, which steals resources from the poor, while punishing the whistleblowers who report corruption," Greyling said.