The Zondo commission resumes on Friday morning to hear Vrede dairy farm project-related evidence. StateCaptureInquiry
The Vrede dairy farm project was meant to up-lift black emerging farmers, but little of funds went towards the project. It was reported that some of the funds meant for the project were distributed to various Gupta-linked bank accounts.He had headed the department of agriculture and played a key role in the appointment of Estina, a Gupta-linked company, as a partner for the government in the Vrede dairy farm project.
Further investigations and site visits by some government officials found that the study was inadequately done and would need to be redone. Thabethe said he relied on his juniors to approve reports supplied by Estina and that he was not aware of everything. Gcabashe and commission chair Deputy Chief Raymond Zondo questioned Thabethe on why they did not question Estina on its use of such a large sum of money to pay consultants. Gcabashe said it implied a lack of care of how government money was spent.
"Should you as the department not have commissioned a feasibility study before hiring Estina," Zondo asked. Thabethe said his department was satisfied with the feasibility study provided by Estina, this is even after he was presented with a report that showed the feasibility study conducted by Estina was badly done.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LIVE FEED: State Capture Inquiry - August 12, 2020The ZondoCommission resumes this morning to continue its probe into allegations of corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). StateCaptureInquiry
Read more »
LIVE FEED: State Capture Inquiry - August 13, 2020The Zondo commission resumes on Thursday morning to probe corruption-related matters. StateCaptureInquiry
Read more »
WATCH LIVE | State capture: spotlight on corruption allegations at PrasaThe state capture inquiry is expected to continue on Wednesday with attorney Madimpe Mogashoa giving evidence relating to allegations of corruption at Prasa
Read more »
Judge Zondo 'not happy' with Pravin Gordhan's no-show at state capture inquiryPublic enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan, who was meant to be cross-examined by former Sars boss Tom Moyane, failed to appear before the state capture inquiry on Wednesday, citing “cabinet commitments”.
Read more »