Gordhan, Jonas seek full disclosure from KPMG

The pair met the KPMG International chairperson and the newly appointed South African CEO of the firm, Nhlamu Dlomu, on Thursday afternoon.

The auditing firm made headlines over the past week after withdrawing parts of its report into the so-called rogue unit at the South African Revenue Services (Sars).

It said the conclusion and recommendations could not be relied upon. 

Gordhan says that while he and Jonas have met with KPMG, they reserve their right to take further legal action. 

"Mr Jonas and I indicated that while we have agreed to meet KPMG, we reserve our legal rights. We shared our strong feelings and disapproval of the manner in which KPMG SA has been involved in the validation of state capture and corruption in respect of both Sars and companies of the Gupta family."

He says KPMG has a "moral duty" to account for their conduct to the South African public.

"They have to be frank and transparent in their disclosures if they wish to restore their own reputation. We insisted on full and proper disclosure of the role of various parties in the state capture project and the manner in which KPMG staff seem to have colluded in these processes - including the complete disregard shown by the management of KPMG."

Gordhan insists KPMG needs to take further steps to be more open and frank with South Africans about its involvement in state capture and corruption. 

"This will determine whether KPMG can earn the respect and confidence of both corporates and the audit profession on the one hand, and the South African public on the other."