The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, refutes all claims as reported in the Sunday Times newspaper of the 16 June 2013 wherein she is accused to have received 'kickbacks'.
The allegations that are contained in the news report are both unsubstantiated and regrettable. The Minister will fully cooperate with any investigation on the matter.
The Minister has served in the public service for 19 years and was the youngest MEC under the first democratic dispensation. Those who know Minister Joemat-Pettersson know her to be a people orientated leader who consistently serves others and strives for the development of rural women and rural communities.
The said farm was for the benefit of rural women through skills development and employment creation.
The Minister will request that both the Parliamentary Ethics Committee and the African National Congress' (ANC) integrity committee investigate all allegations levelled against her and her conduct.
For more information contact:
Palesa Mokomele, Spokesperson of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Cell: 082 904 1908
