The initial phase of the inquiry, in which relevant information was collected, has been concluded.
The second phase of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee’s probe into the naturalisation of the Gupta family is expected to begin on Wednesday, 12 September 2018.
The committee set aside three days this week to investigate the process which saw the controversial family being granted naturalisation.
“The committee has concluded the initial phase of the inquiry (collection of all relevant information) and has identified gaps which need to be clarified by certain people to assist the committee to arrive at a conclusion. The investigation will be held from Wednesday to Friday”, said committee chairperson Hlomani Chauke.
Home Affairs, Minister Gigaba considered one of the role-players in the saga, has been summoned to detail the circumstances surrounding his decision to grant the family citizenship, despite them not meeting some of the requirements.
Gigaba overruled a senior department official’s refusal to grant the family naturalisation as they had not lived in the country for five years.
Other individuals required to testify at the inquiry are former Home Affairs director-general Mkhuseli Apleni, former Home Affairs employee Gideon Christians, The Head of Department of the North West Department of Education and Sports Development Stephinah Semaswe, and the department MEC Sello Lehari.
The committee has said it is crucial for the identified individuals to appear before it, and plans to request that the Speaker summon those who are reluctant to appear.
“The committee considers it a must for the identified individuals to attend the hearings and will request the speaker to summon those that are not prepared to appear”
“This matter has been in the public domain without resolution for too long. The committee is thus intending to bring this matter to finality,” said Chauke.
Thabo Baloyi
t.baloyi@politicalanalysis.co.za
