By Lindsay Dentlinger.
The African National Congress (ANC) says it will ask Parliament’s Joint Ethics Committee to investigate DA MP Mark Burke, amid suggestions that the fintech company he founded has violated the South African Reserve Bank’s exchange control regulations.
The party’s Cameron Dugmore said the DA should immediately remove Burke as the party’s chief representative on Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance.
In a court affidavit, a Reserve Bank investigator said there is reason to believe Burke’s company, Kastelo, has been using clients’ allowances to move funds offshore for its own benefit.
Burke is a fierce critic of government’s finances, most recently calling for sweeping reform and greater transparency at the Public Investment Corporation.
Now, the investment company he founded and which is run by his brother finds itself in the crosshairs of the central bank, which alleges it has been circumventing the law to move at least R4 billion offshore, a claim the company denies.
Dugmore said his party will today ask National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to crack the whip against Burke.
“The immediate thing is that the DA needs to remove Burke from this portfolio committee. You can’t have the wolf essentially having oversight powers over the chicken house. Dr Burke is clearly conflicted here.”
Burke could not be reached for comment, while the DA said it will issue a statement tomorrow morning.