Financial Discrepancies of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane Call for a Closer Look

In 2018, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane’s expenditures catapulted into the spotlight, revealing a lifestyle that far exceeded her known annual income. When Simelane served as the mayor of Polokwane, her spending habits surged by 569% over her documented earnings, raising eyebrows and igniting public concerns over the source of her lavish lifestyle.

Simelane, who was documented as making R509,220 post-tax annually, reportedly expended at least R2.89-million within the year March 2018 to February 2019. Among the staggeringly high expenses were the cash purchases of a Mercedes-Benz Viano and a vacant stand in a gated community in Pretoria, her travels to Disney World, and high-end shopping sprees totaling R250,000 in just four months.

This luxury spending spree starkly contrasted against her reported income sources which include her salary as mayor, supplements from the South African Local Government Association, and a minor consultancy business, which together struggled to approach the half-million mark annually.

Critics and auditors are now questioning the origin of funds for her expenditures, especially as Simelane remains tight-lipped about the funding sources. Her interaction with companies linked to dubious financial activities, such as VBS Mutual Bank through Gundo Wealth Solutions, further complicates her financial portrayal.

Despite the glaring inconsistencies between her declared income and her actual spending, Simelane has resisted participating in or responding to inquiries stemming from an "unauthorized lifestyle audit" as phrased by her spokesperson Tsekiso Machike. This reticence from a public official not only raises governance concerns but also reflects on the challenges of accountability in political offices.

Simelane's financial dealings exhibit potential under-reportings such as the property sizes declared to Parliament compared to those listed in official documents, as well as unclear links to substantial assets like the Mercedes-Benz Viano registered under her mother's name, who, according to sources, has neither the means nor the interest in such a luxurious vehicle.

In light of these revelations, there is a growing consensus that Simelane should undergo a thorough lifestyle audit to clarify these financial discrepancies. This push aligns with greater calls for transparency and integrity among South African public officials to uphold public trust and ensure accountability in governance.