'I don't know if Bosasa paid for my 40th birthday party’

In her initial testimony, Mokonyane told the commission that a birthday party was never held for her at the Victorian Guest House in Krugersdorp in 2003.

But during her latest appearance at the commission on Thursday, Mokonyane said she did recall a surprise dinner party held in her honour.

The establishment’s owner Hendrik Coetzee confirmed last week that controversial facilities management company Bosasa paid for the party, which was allegedly planned by its former COO Angelo Agrizzi.

Asked why she initially denied knowledge of the party, Mokonyane told the commission she had forgotten because she was disappointed with the venue and decor.

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The commission’s chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo:" It does sound strange that Mr Coetzee could remember your 40th birthday party at his guesthouse 18 years ago, but you can't remember your 40th birthday party?"

Mokonyane: "It can sound strange because that was not a party I knew was going to happen. I was looking forward to the party I planned with my family and friends at Rosebank."

Mokonyane told the commission she did not know who paid for the dinner, as her late husband never told her who was responsible for paying the bill.

She also said she never saw either the late Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson or Agrizzi at the dinner party.