How long will Simelane last?

»» You cannot continue to sit in that chair, says DA member to minister.

- Masoka Dube Faizel Patel

Pressure is mounting for Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to resign after political experts cited as unconvincing her attempt to explain to parliament yesterday about a loan she allegedly took from one of those deeply involved in the Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank scandal.

Simelane appeared before parliament's portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development to answer questions on her involvement in the VBS saga.

The members questioned her about the more than R500 000 she allegedly received from then VBS investment broker Gundo Wealth Solutions to start a coffee shop business in Sandton in 2016.

The Hawks are investigating R349 million invested in VBS from 2016 to 2017 by Polokwane municipality under the leadership of Simelane, who was mayor.

Most members of the committee and political experts recommended the minister step down to allow the investigation to continue smoothly.

In a summary of her prepared report on the matter, the minister emphasised that her position did not allow her to interfere with the investigation against her.