Question NW2672 to the Minister of Energy
11 August 2015 - NW2672
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)With reference to the audit report completed for and on behalf of the Central Energy Fund (CEF) by Ms. Joubert, the chief auditor for CEF, relating to the Lesedi Biogas Project, has the specified report been made available to the Auditor-General; (2) (a) who was the accounting officer instructed by the CEF to ensure that the Lesedi Biogas matter was reported to the appropriate bodies, (b) what documents were sent to the (i) Auditor-General, (ii) Department of Public Service and Administration and (iii) Public Service Commission; (3) why has the CEF failed to take the necessary steps in terms of section 86 of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999; (4) with reference to the two executives implicated in the Lesedi Biogas matter who are leaving the CEF, were post termination hearings held as stated in the Labour Relations Act, Act 66 of 1995; if not, why not? NW3103E
Reply:
- Yes.
- The CEF Management reported the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority, case number: CAS 65/3/2012. CEF made several follow-ups and the NPA assured CEF that the matter was under investigation and had also been referred to the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit. All the necessary project documents were made available to the (i) AG for the full audit. No documents were sent to (ii) DPSA and the (iii) Public Service Commission as the staff members implicated for possible wrong-doing had left the employ of CEF.
- This has been done. The CEF Management reported the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority, case number: CAS 65/3/2012. CEF made several follow-ups and the NPA assured CEF that the matter was under investigation and had also been referred to the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit.
- No. The implicated executive had resigned from their employment with CEF. This was a voluntary resignation and was not related to this matter. At the time when the matter was investigated by our Auditors, the implicated employees had already resigned. As indicated above, charges were laid, the matter was referred to the Special Crimes Unit/ National Prosecuting Authority.