Ongoing investigations into communications minister Dina Pule's conduct are nearing conclusion, following a protracted period of word wars and public censure.
More than a year has passed since allegations of corruption, mismanagement and cronyism were made against Pule, following the ICT Indaba at the beginning of June last year - and investigations are finally set to come to a head, with findings set to be presented in Parliament next month.
While the scandal started with an allegation that millions in sponsorship fees were drawn from the account of the indaba's event organisers by Phosane Mngqibisa, a businessman alleged to be romantically linked to Pule, various other accusations emerged in the months that followed.
Two separate investigations were subsequently launched, by public protector Thuli Madonsela in September last year; and later - at the beginning of this year - by Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. Pule appeared before the ethics committee during May.
MP Dianne Kohler Barnard, of the Democratic Alliance, says a parliamentary sub-committee, which has been handling the matter following the hearings, will meet in Cape Town next week, to finalise a report. "The report will be finalised and, once signed off, will be presented in Parliament." Kohler Barnard says the committee's findings will be presented next month.
The public protector's office had not provided an update on Madonsela's progress with Pule's case by the time of publication. Public protector spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi says she will respond with an update during the course of the day.
Meanwhile, the Department of Communications has consistently upheld its stance that Pule is not guilty of the wrongs she has been accused of, dubbing the accusations a mudslinging exercise.
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