Public Protector to probe Pule allegations

The Public Protector will investigate reports that R25 million rand raised by sponsors for the ICT Indaba cannot be accounted for.

The Public Protector has confirmed that she’ll investigate the role of Communications minister Dina Pule in the ICT Indaba scandal.

This after the DA approached Thuli Madonsela following reports that R25 million rand raised by sponsors for the event cannot be accounted for.

According to the SABC, Public Protector spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi, has confirmed that they will look into the matter. The office will conduct a preliminary investigation.

In June, a national newspaper reported that a man she was romantically linked to, Phosane Mngqibisa, drew millions in sponsorship fees for the recent ICT Indaba from the account of the event organiser.

According to the paper, R25.7 million was paid in sponsorship fees by Vodacom, MTN and Telkom. The paper alleges millions from the fees were irregularly withdrawn by Mngqibisa.

In August, the Auditor General report found that the minister and all the officials of the Department of Communications (DOC) followed proper processes and procedures in engaging the service provider and in executing the ICT Indaba.

DA shadow minister of Communications Marian Shinn says they need to know whether the minister abused her position of authority over companies in the ICT industry to enrich a close personal friend.

“This is possibly an inappropriate way to go about getting money from the public sector to fund events and the money seems to go astray,” says Shinn.

According to the law, the Public Protector must finish her investigation within a month.