VREDE – The Gupta-linked Vrede Dairy Project case has returned to the court roll, marking what the Democratic Alliance (DA) describes as progress toward justice in one of the Free State’s largest corruption scandals.

The DA Free State Leader, Roy Jankielsohn, said whilst the prosecution represents a positive step, the matter extends beyond a single criminal case.

Findings from the Public Protector’s report and the investigation into the Vrede Dairy Project, including those concerning individuals identified by the Zondo Commission on State Capture, highlighted governance failures, political interference and the abuse of public funds.

Findings highlighted governance failures

The DA maintains that accountability must extend beyond administrative and criminal consequences to include political accountability and that all recommendations from these investigations must be acted upon. In line with the Public Protector’s recommendations, the DA laid criminal complaints with law enforcement agencies.

The DA estimates that more than R475 million was spent on the project since its inception, of which the current R25 million Nulane case forms a fraction. The 61 intended beneficiaries have been denied the benefits they were promised.

Jankielsohn said all those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their position, and that every aspect of the scandal identified by oversight and investigative bodies must be addressed.

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