Delaying tactics, false evidence, missing files and a security threat were the order of the day during the Parliamentary ethics oversight body's hearings into whether former communications minister Dina Pule abused her office.
Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests hit Pule with the highest possible sanctions, after finding she allowed her "companion" Phosane Mngqibisa to gain financially through their relationship and that Pule had failed to disclose the liaison.
The committee was scathing in its findings against Pule and the Department of Communications (DOC), stating evidence had "disappeared" and Pule's defence was based on evidence that was later proven to be false.
The probe follows allegations of corruption, mismanagement and cronyism, which were made against Pule, following the ICT Indaba at the beginning of June last year.
The scandal started with an allegation that millions in sponsorship fees were drawn from the account of the indaba's event organisers by Mngqibisa, which was followed by other accusations, including that Pule had been gifted a pair of red-soled shoes by Mngqibisa.
Pule, who has since been appointed as a member of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport, is still facing a probe by public protector Thuli Madonsela, while the South African Police Service's elite unit, the Hawks, is investigating her after a complaint was lodged by the Democratic Alliance.
Lies
In the 39-page report, co-chairmen Professor Ben Turok and Member of Parliament Lemias Mashile found Pule did not disclose Mngqibisa's financial interests, and "wilfully" provided the registrar with "incorrect and misleading" details.
Evidence provided by Pule, Mngqibisa, Sam Vilakazi (deputy DG of administration) and Themba Phiri (acting deputy DG of policy) was also rejected as being "unreliable and untrustworthy".
There was "perception of collusion" between Pule, Mngqibisa and senior officials of the DOC to "wilfully mislead the panel," the report states. The DOC was found to have submitted incomplete information relating to a number of trips and was accused of delaying tactics when asked to provide information. "Documents requested by the panel had 'disappeared'."
However, Pule was cleared of allegations that she received a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes as a gift from Mngqibisa, as the evidence, an e-mailed invoice sent by Mngqibisa to Carol Bouwer, could not be found, the two testified.
Forced relationship
Last year's indaba was run by Carol Bouwer Productions, which was initially set to use an events company called Hunta Live before deciding to use Mngqibisa's company, Khemano.
Bouwer explained she was introduced to Mngqibisa by Phiri, but that she was not forced to use Khemano. In his affidavit, Phiri said the introduction was coincidental and not orchestrated by him.
However, the report found Khemano was imposed on Bouwer. "While she says there was no open pressure, it is obvious that she understood the implications of her refusing to submit to Khemano's participation."
Bouwer, while saying she was not coerced, revealed that "we then had a discussion with Mngqibisa about how this thing is going to work and it became increasingly clear that if we do not find common ground, I may jeopardise the ability for us to go ahead and have this indaba".
The continued denial of the relationship [with Mngqibisa] during the proceedings further reflects the intent to wilfully mislead the panel.
Bouwer has a contract with the DOC for another four years of running the indaba, but stated the situation destroyed her business and her name. She noted Mngqibisa registered a company called ICT Indaba, despite the term being her intellectual property.
In addition, Bouwer is quoted as saying she was getting irritated with Mngqibisa as he kept drawing money before submitting invoices, which was "improper".
ABR Consulting had to eventually be brought in to assist Khemano, Bouwer conceded, and she had doubted the capacity of Khemano. Bouwer also conceded in her testimony that ABR did the bulk of the work for the indaba, while Khemano took charge of the finances and Mngqibisa instructed that the MTN sponsorships were paid directly into ABR Consulting's bank account.
Shared rooms
Pule has repeatedly denied she had a relationship with Mngqibisa, yet the committee found she had shared hotel accommodation with him and he had accompanied her on several trips.
She told the panel: "I do not have a permanent companion or a spouse as a Member of Parliament or as an individual, to an extent I have nothing to declare when it comes to that because I don't have."
The panel says Mngqibisa, through Pule's influence, benefited improperly by receiving R6 million in sponsorship money for his company as part of its role in the ICT Indaba, and enjoyed the benefit of the DOC paying for his overseas trips and accommodation.
"The continued denial of the relationship during the proceedings further reflects the intent to wilfully mislead the panel."
The auditor-general audited the use of the R10 million contributed by the DOC for the ICT Indaba and found the money was correctly spent.
Sanctions against Pule include a reprimand in the National Assembly, a fine equivalent to 30 days' salary, and a suspension of privileges for 15 days, as well as exclusion from any Parliamentary debates and committees for this period.
Pule is also required to amend her disclosure retrospectively to ensure her interests are fully declared. The committee's report will be tabled before the National Assembly, and the matter has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service for further investigation.
Pule could not be reached this morning as she was in a meeting, while Mngqibisa last night declined to comment and the DOC was not in a position to comment this morning.
The report can be found here.
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