Public protector rubbishes conspiracy claims

In an affidavit filed this week, the bank has accused Mkhwebane of bias, ulterior motives and procedural unfairness.

 

"Whilst I do not intend to answer the allegations contained in the South African Reserve Bank's supplementary affidavit through the media, I believe I have an obligation to dispel the allegations that the Public Protector has conspired with the Presidency and the State Security Agency with regard to the amendment of South African Reserve Bank's mandate" the statement reads.

 

 Mkhwebane confirms she met with the Presidency on 7 June this year, because the Presidency, in response to a section 7(9) notice or a provisional report that had been issued, requested a meeting to give an explanation to their response.

 

The Public Protector says that the meeting with the Presidency did not discuss, nor was the Presidency consulted with regard to the amendment of the South African Reserve Bank's mandate.

 

Mkhwebane states that a meeting with the State Security Agency (SSA) was a follow-up meeting.

 

 "The Public Protector would like to assure the public that the meeting between the Presidency and the SSA was part of the Public Protector's constitutional mandate to conduct an investigation. Therefore, as part of her investigation, the Public Protector is required to meet any person who may assist her in her investigation," says spokeswoman Cleopatra Mosana.

 

Mkwhebane will be filing her responding affidavit on 23 October 2017.

 

"There are several allegations orchestrated by a certain group of people with ulterior motives, including availing the SARB affidavit to the media even before being served on the Public Protector. Their aim is to discredit the reputation of the Public Protector and her independence," says Mosana.

 

Mosana says the Public Protector will remain independent and impartial and will continue to exercise her powers and perform her functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

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