Statement by Andrew Bateman MP – DA Deputy Spokesperson on Appropriations:
The Democratic Alliance has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that he authorise a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into the collapse of Daybreak Foods, following serious allegations of irregular expenditure and failures of oversight.
Daybreak’s collapse had devastating consequences: approximately 1,900 workers lost their jobs, more than 350,000 chickens had to be put down, and the Public Investment Corporation’s approximately R2 billion investment was placed substantially at risk.
The DA wants the SIU to investigate allegations surrounding the appointment of the Daybreak Board: severely inflated payments for legal services and marketing; the orchestrated and vexatious litigation against executives who raised concerns; the commissioning of a sham forensic investigation against executives; interference with a further forensic investigation; whether any persons benefitted improperly; and whether the PIC adequately discharged its fiduciary and oversight obligations in relation to its investment.
The DA has also obtained documents purporting to be Blue Apple invoices and a Fundudzi Forensic Services report. Our source cannot be revealed and we cannot vouch for the documents’ veracity.
The purported invoices include millions for CEO induction events, newsletters, promotional items, and “Rugby Game Hospitality” including a branded party bus.
South Africans deserve to know where the money went, who benefited, why investigations were halted and why warnings were not acted upon.
An SIU investigation is now necessary to establish the truth, recover losses where possible and ensure accountability.
The DA will not rest when the pensions savings of government employees are at risk, when approximately 1,900 workers have lost their jobs, and when public funds which have been set aside to protect workers have allegedly been abused.
That is why we have also initiated a private member’s bill, the Pension Protection Bill, to free the PIC from political interference and ensure that the directors of the PIC are selected on merit and truly independent.
Shadow Bishop
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”
Jester
Fun South African Fact: The waters surrounding the 2,500km long coastline are teeming with life. You’ll find great white sharks, African penguins, dolphins and much much more in South Africa’s oceans. Many travellers visit the coast to watch the annual whale migrations. In Hermanus, in the Western Cape, you can see hundreds of whales from June to late November. Simon’s Town, another coastal Western Cape town, is home to Boulder’s Beach. Here you can swim alongside colonies of African Penguins!