Dear Editor
The DA can reveal that Major General Philani Lushaba, the CFO of the SAPS Crime Intelligence division currently in police custody, was a substitute trustee of the Government Employees Pension Fund for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years. In this role, Major General Lushaba pocketed at least R652 000 in trustee fees.
This is extremely concerning given Lushaba’s recent arrest on two separate charges of corruption in which he is alleged to have abused his position. Firstly, he is implicated in the Crime Intelligence Secret Service Account spending spree, which included the R22.7 million purchase of a boutique hotel.
Secondly, he is alleged to have covered up the theft of SAPS property from his home with help from Crime Intelligence officials.
Lushaba is listed as a member of the Audit, Finance & Risk and Investment Committees in both 2022/23 and 2023/24. An individual in custody for corruption and fraud should not be entrusted with the retirement savings of public servants.
The DA has written to the GEPF and the Minister of Finance to demand the Fund publicly state whether Lushaba remains a substitute trustee. Should he still be a trustee, we demand his removal pending the outcome of both cases.
The GEPF deserves trustees who have proven track records and are beyond reproach to protect its assets and rectify the fund’s lacklustre performance. The Democratic Alliance calls on the Fund and the Minister to act with urgency to protect the best interests of the members of the GEPF.
Regards
Andrew Bateman MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Appropriations