With national elections looming over South Africa, the Ethics Committee’s findings against EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu have added a new dimension to the political narrative. Shivambu was found guilty of not disclosing payments amounting to R180,000, which were linked to the controversial VBS Mutual Bank scandal. This revelation could not have come at a more critical time, casting a shadow over the integrity of political figures involved in the upcoming electoral race.
According to the findings, the payment was made by Sgameka, a company owned by Shivambu’s brother, Brian Shivambu. This case was brought forward by former MP and DA leader, John Steenhuisen, who, citing Daily Maverick reports, alleged that both Shivambu and the EFF’s party president, Julius Malema, benefitted from the VBS Mutual Bank’s collapse.
While the committee has uncovered the R180,000 paid to Shivambu in three instalments, the broader implications of his involvement with VBS Mutual Bank remain under investigation. These allegations have not only tarnished Shivambu’s reputation but have also raised questions about the efficacy of the nation’s leaders as South Africa gears up for elections.
However, the shadow does not extend to EFF leader, Julius Malema. The committee stated that while allegations against Malema regarding the VBS Mutual Bank scandal were made, they found no evidence of any direct payment from the implicated Sgameka bank account to Malema. The investigation against Malema is considered inconclusive and has thus been closed.
DA chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, welcomed the findings against Shivambu, emphasizing the allegations that have persisted since 2018, painting the EFF leader as a participant in the “grand heist of savings of vulnerable depositors at the VBS Mutual Bank.”
The committee’s decisions come at a pivotal time, offering voters a stark reminder of the importance of political accountability. As the election cycle heats up, how these findings shape voter perceptions and party campaigns remains to be seen. It is clear, however, that the integrity of leaders and the transparency of their financial dealings will play a significant role in the narrative of this election season.