Today, Brand South Africa’s Board of Trustees hosted a media briefing on key strategic developments at the organisation as well as respond to allegations of corruption levelled against the organisation by its former CEO. The facts contained in the statement below, which was issued on 14 August 2020, remain the same.
Dr Makhubela has also written a document that makes several allegations against the Board of Trustees and the employees of Brand South Africa. For the purposes of this statement we do not wish to engage in the merits of the document, its authenticity, nor the allegations made in it. However we have taken the document through the Board processes and committees, who have since handed it over to the relevant investigation authorities.
Brand South Africa would like to state the facts as they unfolded from February 2018 when the organisation received numerous allegations against Makhubela through its independently run whistleblowing facility. These allegations went through investigations in line with the organisation’s policies and procedures, guided by corporate governance principles, which lead up to Dr Makhubela’ s suspension. His independent disciplinary hearing, presided over by Advocate MS Baloyi SC as the independent chairperson, a highly respected member and Deputy Chairperson of the Johannesburg Bar.
As far as the Board of Trustees is concerned, Dr Kingsley Makhubela’ s five-year employment contract with Brand South Africa ended on 31 July 2020.
Brand South Africa urges any member of the public (including Dr Makhubela), who has credible and valid information on corruption against the employees and Trustees of Brand South Africa, to exercise their legal obligation and report such to the South African Police Service or any other appropriate prosecuting or investigative authority.
Today, the Board of Trustees stated categorically that any employee found guilty of fraud or misconduct will face consequences as prescribed by the law.
State Capture Commission
Brand South Africa is aware of a submission to the State Capture Commission by Dr Makhubela and is not in a position to comment on the matter, given that it is sub judice.
Integrity at Brand South Africa
We are governed by the strict laws, policies and regulations of the land to do the right thing regardless of whether it is popular or not. We act according to the prescribed code of ethics and we respect our responsibilities and accountabilities.
In conclusion,
As the Board of Trustees, we have a fiduciary duty to investigate all allegations presented to us without fear nor favour. To that end, the Board of Trustees and the Management of Brand South Africa have undertaken to investigate any allegations presented, to the extent that they can be substantiated. Accordingly, all previous allegations have been fully investigated and new allegations are referred for investigation or audit as they arise.
Strategic developments within Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa can confirm that the recruitment process to fill key executive roles, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Marketing Officer is currently underway. The organisation will inform the media about progress in this regards as soon as the role are filled. There are currently senior executives within Brand South Africa who are acting in the role of CEO, CMO and and CFO.
