Johannesburg - Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene has rubbished allegations that he used his position as chairman of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to enrich his family, including improperly benefiting his son’s oil company.
Giving testimony before the State Capture Inquiry chaired by Justice Raymond Zondo, Nene said allegations suggesting that he was implicit and corrupt were baseless.
“I reject with contempt fake WhatsApp messages alleging my wife has received any foreign funds in any account belonging to her. My wife does not have any foreign accounts and did not receive any funds from any foreign sources,” Nene said.
“Whenever I was confronted with making any final decision on any request made to me by any person, my practice is always to ensure that the Department first provides me with advice, and also that I approve requests that are within my legal and statutory powers,” Nene told the commission.
This comes after a text message emerged, alleging that his son’s oil company received funding from the PIC and that Nene used his position for the benefit of the Gupta family.
It also alleged that his wife received money into a Swiss bank account.
“I deny that I have ever acted inappropriately with regard to any investments made by the PIC. I deny any and every allegation that I knowingly acted to promote any funding from the PIC for any business involving my son.”
Nene is also expected to explain the events that led to his unceremonious sacking in 2015.
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