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Court order allows the DA access to documents

GETTING DRILLED: Sipho Mkhize, managing director and chief executive of PetroSA, the state-owned oil company embroiled in the Oligate scandal. Pic. Robert Botha. 09/06/2006. © Business Day.
GETTING DRILLED: Sipho Mkhize, managing director and chief executive of PetroSA, the state-owned oil company embroiled in the Oligate scandal. Pic. Robert Botha. 09/06/2006. © Business Day.

Thomas McLachlan

Thomas McLachlan

A Cape court has ruled that state-owned oil company PetroSA has to supply documents to the DA, documents that could implicate the company in an R11million illegal payment to the ANC.

PetroSA has been accused of wasting public money, and the documents relating to the infamous "Oilgate" transaction between PetroSA and black economic empowerment company Imvume Management, which is rumoured to be a company fronting for the ANC, must be made available for the DA's scrutiny by November 13, Cape Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso ruled yesterday.

PetroSA would also have to pay all the costs incurred in the ordeal.

"It is a great day for the fight for transparency and open, accountable governance," enthused DA leader Tony Leon after the announcement was made.

The Oilgate matter arose out of the December 2003 advance payment by PetroSA of R15million, of taxpayers' money, to Imvume Management to buy oil condensate.

But instead of paying for the condensate, Imvume gave R11million to the ANC's 2004 election campaign.

This resulted in PetroSA having to pay twice for the oil condensate. The second payment was made directly to the primary supplier, Glencore International, to cover the shortfall.

Yesterday's ruling followed the DA's request in May last year to see all documentation concerning the dealings between PetroSA and Imvume, dating back to 2002.

Leon said that if Imvume was established as an ANC front company, "something which its behaviour and an analysis of the available facts suggests", the nature of its contract with the state should be investigated. - With Sapa

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