“Furthermore‚ let me state clearly that I have never exchanged any SMS correspondence requesting a donation for the ANC with any VBS director or representative. Any assertion to the contrary is false. I also did not request any form of donation in exchange for doing a favour for them‚ such as securing funding from state institutions or municipalities. If any financial contribution was made to the ANC by VBS or any other company‚ this would have been without any influence or commitment from the ANC to do favours.
“I have no direct knowledge or personal recollection of the R2m donation by VBS during my tenure as TG as reported.”
Mkhize said if any donors wanted clarity on any donation they may have made‚ they could approach the ANC treasurer-general’s office for investigation. “As a general practice‚ the office of the TG sends letters requesting donations ahead of major events such as gala dinners or rallies to hundreds of business leaders and private companies‚ including banks. This is an open practice. Those that wish to make a contribution‚ do so in good faith and not in exchange for or expectation of any favours.
“At the stated time of the meeting I held with VBS bank‚ I was unaware of their relationship with municipalities.”
“I only became aware of this relationship with municipalities and suspected fraud involving the VBS bank when this matter featured in the media earlier this year. “It needs to be made explicitly clear that the SMS messages exchanged by VBS directors as reported in the media article were not a conversation with me.”
Mkhize said in his capacity as the minister of CoGTA‚ “I will continue to support the various ongoing investigations and further take the necessary steps within my powers to ensure that those who stole monies from municipalities that was meant for service delivery‚ face the long arm of the law. Further we have committed to investigate all possible ways to recover the public funds from those who illegally benefited.”