Lungani Zungu
Former minister of minerals Mosebenzi Zwane has dug in his heels and openly defied the ANC’s step aside resolution for members facing criminal charges.
Zwane, now an ANC MP, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the Estina dairy farm project scandal.
He appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and was released on R10,000 bail.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa after his appearance, Zwane said he would not step down in line with the ANC step aside rule.
“I am not stepping aside. I am currently focused on clearing my name but will continue to do my work as an MP and chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on transport,” he said.
In the final report, the state capture commission of inquiry fingered Zwane for failing to do his job regarding the R280 million Vrede dairy project during his time as MEC for agriculture and rural development in the Free State.
“My hands are clean. I am not corrupt. And I am glad that I will now have the opportunity to clear my name in a court of law and the court of public opinion,” said Zwane.
Zwane was arrested with Ugeshni Govender and Ronica Ragavan, two former employees of the controversial Gupta family that enjoyed a cozy relationship with former president Jacob Zuma.
Zwane is a known ally of Zuma’s.
Govender was also granted bail of R10,000, while Ragavan was warned to appear again in court in November because she was previously charged over the Estina dairy farm project back in 2018.
The three face charges of fraud, theft, money laundering and corruption in connection with the Estina dairy farm project. The scheme was meant to empower black farmers, but not a single black beneficiary received any payments.
Zwane said he would not plead guilty when the matter resumes on 2 November.
The suspended secretary-general of the ANC, Ace Magashule, is one of the victims of the step aside rule.
Magashule, a close ally of Zwane’s, was suspended in May last year amid charges emanating from a R255 million asbestos tender that was issued during his tenure as Free State premier in 2013.
NPA spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka said more arrests were on the cards.
Image source: @News24
