Sponsored Links:
Parliament has decided to write off the 12 million rand in outstanding debt owed to it by MPs who were implicated in the “Travelgate” scandal.
A letter from National Assembly speaker Max Sisulu to Democratic Alliance MP Ian Davidson also said that no further action would be taken against politicians implicated as the records of the travel agency used, Bathong Travel, were destroyed.
“As the debt was not recoverable and still on Parliament's books, it resulted in an audit query. Taking into consideration both these factors (the query and the fact that there were no records), the administration advised the presiding officers to write off the debts. In the light of this it is not possible to recover monies from members,” Sisulu's letter said.
Only six out of 79 of the MPs implicated in the scandal have been criminally prosecuted and, according to Sisulu, the remaining 73 would not be charged.
“I trust that this settles the matter”, concluded Sisulu in his letter.
However, Davidson said it did not and that if the matter were left as it were, then it would reinforce the perception that public-office bearers could steal from the people of SA with impunity.
“We cannot endorse a mass bail-out of Members of Parliament (MPs) whose conduct was both illegal and morally reprehensible,” Davidson said.
Davidson said he would write to Ben Turok, Ethics Committee chairperson, and request that, in light of the list of Travelgate MPs being made public, that he fully investigate all who have failed to pay back the money owed to Parliament.
“The action taken by the Ethics Committee against Yolanda Botha last week should be the rule, not the exception. MPs that have defrauded and undermined the integrity of Parliament must be investigated and brought to book,” he said.
The list of MPs implicated in the Travelgate scandal included a number of high-ranking African National Congress members, including State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, whose wife has been found guilty of drug smuggling. - I-Net Bridge
|
|
Anonymous, wrote
Dear National Assembly and Members of Parliament (those involved in Travelgate mischief), Thank you for leading by example. Show the crooks how its done! * could somebody please clarify.... who does the law apply to in this country?
Daniel, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
brendan, wrote
Just goes to show accountability and responsibilty for your actions especially if they're criminal are alive ad well.... Oh whats another 12 million anyway !!!
fred, wrote
Quite typical of the lack of morals or respect for the only system that can prevent SA from officially being a banana republic. Greed,arrogance and stupidity,,, all in one decision.
fred, wrote
Quite typical of the lack of morals or respect for the only system that can prevent SA from officially being a banana republic. Greed,arrogance and stupidity,,, all in one decision.
Tired_Darkie, wrote
Just imagine if we could all get away with this: Dear SARS, Pravin Gordhan, et al. I am planning to go on a tax holiday over the next 10 years... I trust that this settles the matter. .... oh wouldn't SA be such a wonderful place. Sorry, just a dream.
muddy waters, wrote
marty, wrote
mindboggling! this bunch of cretinous buffoons are swindling away public money like a bunch of ravenous swine swilling away on an endless stream of tripe at the mudpit! but then what does one expect from these dimwits!
Clever Trevor, wrote
Mr.Zuma-Polakwane crew will not help u this time-they do not know whether to support u publicly as they are scared of Mr. Malema.
Clever Trevor, wrote
WE ARE LIVING IN A BANANA REPUBLIC...so MR.Malema will be the next President-then we will have no Banana's.
marty, wrote
Clever Trevor, wrote
Clever Trevor, wrote
These politicians need to have the swindled money taken off their pension fund as they are robbing the very people whom they were entrusted to serve....But we live in Africa so give the man a BELLS.
Clever Trevor, wrote
These politicians need to have the swindled money taken off their pension fund as they are robbing the very people whom they were entrusted to serve....But we live in Africa so give the man a BELLS.
john, wrote
For every one of us shocked by the implications of sweeping such things under the carpet, there are hundreds of stupid rabble such as those seen on the streets of JHB today, ready to be roused by the likes of millionaire Malema..
Michael, wrote
Does anybody else find it reprehensible that the collection of implicated persons (parliament) have the apparent "right", nevermind the power, to scrap the debt they illegally created, and grant themselves immunity from prosecution? This cannot be allowed to rest. Name the parties involved, and force them to step down. The people of Suoth Africa need to unite against corrupt government officials and hold them to account, or else we have no future. Government officials need to be reminded that they were elected to office to accomplish such things as may benefit the nation, not their own pockets. As such are accountable to the people who put them there. Government office can NOT be allwed to become a fast-track to self enrichment.
Anonymous, wrote
....... "I trust this settles the matter" .....what a Fu*#ing MORON! I cant event ask what he is thinking? Make a piss poor statement like that and then the problem will disappear? You are a joke and an embarrassment Mr. Sisulu.
Francesco, wrote
So, once again, the politicians and fat cats get away with self service from the "buffet" financed by hard working tax payers.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Services
Buying a car has never been easy. Motoring.co.za contains a large database of car listings with a user friendly search.
Start searching today »
Financial Tools
You are here: IOL / Business / Business News / Parliament writes off Travelgate losses
We like to make your life easier
Mobile
Browse IOL on your phone at m.iol.co.za.
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletters. News delivered to your inbox!
Comment Guidelines