Pretoria – Deputy Finance Minister Sfiso Buthelezi says he is not guilty of any corrupt activities related to his years as board chairperson of the Passenger Railway Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
Buthelezi said he chaired the board for 10 years and was surprised to hear allegations of corruption related to his tenure three years after he left the agency.
He was speaking on Thursday at Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba’s briefing on government’s plan for the economy.
It has been alleged that Buthelezi and his brother, Nkaniyso, benefited from contracts worth R150 million from Prasa, while he headed the board.
News24 reported that a supplier of locomotives to Prasa, Swifambo Rail Leasing, appointed Inala Shipping to manage the shipping of trains.
Inala is alleged to be owned by Nkanyiso.
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Current Chairperson of the Prasa Board Popo Molefe has also accused Buthelezi of corrupt dealings that took place when he was in charge of the board.
A visibly frustrated Buthelezi said he was more than willing to answer questions posed by law enforcement with regards to these allegations.
He said he was surprised to see revelations revealed by Molefe when he has a close relationship with him.
Buthelezi listed some of his achievements at agency and said threw a veiled comment about Molefe saying he is still “waiting for someone to list what they have achieved at the Prasa in three years”