Staff Reporter.
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has cleared former North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo of using state funds to gift cattle to former president Jacob Zuma.
This after the EFF’s Godrich Gardee laid a formal complaint with the Public Protector’s office.
Mkhwebane released her findings into the allegations made against Mahumapelo in a Sunday Times report in 2018.
According to the Sunday Times report, a herd of cattle meant for emerging farmers was delivered to Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla as a gift. It was further alleged that public funds paid for the generous donation.
It was alleged that Mahumapelo facilitated the delivery of the cattle through Agridelight Training and Consulting (Pty) Ltd.
She said we focused the investigation on whether the former premier, Mahumapelo, violated the Executive Ethics Code in respect of his alleged facilitation of the delivery of Bonsmara cattle to the former president’s homestead – and, if so, whether such conduct amounts to improper conduct.
Mkhwebane found the allegation that Mahumapelo had violated the Executive Ethics Code, through his involvement in the facilitation of the delivery of the cattle to Zuma, was not substantiated.
Mkhwebane released the findings on Tuesday.
“From the evidence sourced independently and also provided to the Public Protector, it is apparent that the former President did receive cattle from Agridelight, as confirmed,” Mkhwebane added.
While cattle were delivered to Zuma’s homestead in KZN, Mkhwebane exonerated Mahumapelo of any wrongdoing.
“Therefore, no state funds were utilised for the payment and delivery of cattle to the former President which would have indicted the Public Protector to investigate and pronounce on that in line with her mandate and jurisdiction.
“There is also no evidence to indicate that the former Premier, abused public trust and the fiscus for his private benefit, thereby violating clause 2.1 and 2.3 of the Executive Ethics Code.”
Mkhwebane adds no further action will be taken by her office in the matter.
“In light of the afore-going, we have therefore decided not to pursue the matter any further and thus finalise it by means of a closing report.”