The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is awaiting confirmation this week regarding its request for Minister Parks Tau to face scrutiny from Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the appointments of prominent ANC figures to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) board.
Mzwandile Masina, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, has responded in writing to the EFF, promising a detailed answer within 48 hours after Monday, pending consultation with Parliament’s legal advisors.
The EFF has formally requested that Minister Tau explain the appointment process for Ayanda Dlodlo, Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Dr. Sydney Mufamadi on the IDC board, questioning the criteria used and suggesting that these appointments may be politically motivated.
Masina stated, “I have written to the EFF and undertaken to respond fully in writing within 48 hours after Monday. This will be after receiving full legal counsel from Parliament.”
EFF national spokesperson and MP, Sinawo Thambo, expressed serious concerns regarding the appointments, stating:
“All three of these individuals are deeply entrenched ANC loyalists, with lengthy careers inside government structures under the ANC-led administration.”
The EFF highlighted Dlodlo’s extensive history in senior government roles, including as Minister of State Security and Minister of Public Service and Administration. Dube-Ncube is a former ANC-elected Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, while Mufamadi is a veteran ANC figure embedded in the party’s political circles.
Thambo noted:
“It is alarming that Dr. Dube-Ncube was recently removed from a proposed appointment to the BANKSETA board due to irregularities. Her reappearance on the IDC board suggests that public institutions are being used to recycle and reward ANC-aligned figures, rather than based on skill or strategic fit.”
Thambo also questioned the appropriateness of these appointments, asserting that they compromise the IDC’s role as a developmental finance institution aimed at driving industrial transformation and supporting inclusive economic growth.
The EFF has urged Minister Tau to clarify the criteria used to assess the suitability of the appointees, including their industrial or developmental expertise.
“As the legislative oversight body, the Portfolio Committee has a duty to prevent the erosion of governance and to ensure that public entities like the IDC are not transformed into political patronage networks,” the EFF stated.
Yamkela Fanisi, spokesperson for Minister Tau, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the fairness of the appointments.
In a related development, the IDC has welcomed Gloria Serobe as its new board chairperson, alongside six other new members. Serobe, co-founder and CEO of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, brings considerable experience in governance and business leadership.
The Cabinet Office has acknowledged a conflict of interest involving one of the recently appointed IDC board members, which will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.
