Minister Tau must explain ANC appointments to IDC board, says EFF

THE EFF will know this week if its efforts to have Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau grilled by MPs over the appointments of prominent ANC figures to Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), will be granted.

Mzwandile Masina, chairperson of a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition said he has responded to the EFF in writing, undertaking to provide a detailed answer within 48 hours after Monday, pending consultation with Parliament's legal advisors.

The EFF had asked Masina to summon Tau to explain the appointment process for Ayanda Dlodlo, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and Dr Sydney Mufamadi to the IDC board, questioning the criteria used and suggesting the appointments are politically-driven.

Asked if he will grant the EFF's request and summon Tau to appear before the committee, Masina said: “I have written to the EFF and undertook to respond fully in writing within 48 hours after Monday. This will be after receiving full legal counsel from Parliament.”

EFF national spokesperson and MP Sinawo Thambo expressed grave concern over the recent appointments of the three ANC loyalists to the IDC board.

“All three of these individuals are deeply entrenched ANC loyalists, with lengthy careers inside government structures under the ANC-led administration,” the party said in the letter to Masina.

The EFF pointed out that Dlodlo has a history of serving in senior government positions as an ANC-aligned official, including stints as Minister of State Security and Minister of Public Service and Administration.

Dube-Ncube is a former ANC-elected Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, while Mufamadi is a veteran ANC figure who remains deeply embedded in the party's political circles, said the party.

“It is further alarming that Dr Dube-Ncube was recently removed from a proposed appointment to the BANKSETA (Banking Sector Education and Training Authority) board, following concerns over the irregularity of her nomination. Her reappearance on the IDC board, so soon after this debacle, suggests that public institutions are being used to recycle and reward ANC-aligned figures, and not based on skill or strategic fit, but due to political favour,” said Thambo.

He questioned the appointments, saying they are not only inappropriate but also compromise the IDC's role as a developmental finance institution aimed at driving industrial transformation, supporting black industrialists, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

The party also wants Tau to explain the criteria used to assess the suitability of the appointees and whether they possess the necessary industrial or developmental expertise and experience to justify their appointments.

“As the legislative oversight body, the Portfolio Committee has a duty to prevent the continued erosion of governance, and to ensure that public entities like the IDC are not transformed into political patronage networks,” the EFF said.

Tau's spokesperson, Yamkela Fanisi, has yet to respond to a request for comment on whether the Minister considers the appointments of the trio to be above board and fair.

The IDC, on the other hand, has welcomed Gloria Serobe as its new board chairperson, along with six other new members. 

Serobe, co-founder and CEO of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, brings extensive experience in governance and business leadership, having held senior roles at Denel, Adcorp, Sasfin, Old Mutual, and Nedbank.

The Cabinet Office revealed that one of the recently appointed IDC board members has a conflict of interest, which will be addressed at the next Cabinet meeting, according to a statement from the GCIS.

The appointment of the IDC board, including the member in question, was announced by the Cabinet on Thursday.

Cape Times