gordhan
Pravin Gordhan delivering his budget speech. Source: Twitter @mylimeboots.

Home » As Hawks Circle Pravin Gordhan Again, Rand Falls… Again

As Hawks Circle Pravin Gordhan Again, Rand Falls… Again

The Rand has fallen to its lowest against the dollar since 3 August, after reports surfaced in the Daily Maverick that South Africa’s Finance Minister – Pravin Gordhan – has been summoned by the Hawks to “present” himself on Thursday… which could signal Gordhan’s dismissal from office. With the elite police division circling the Treasury Chief, the Rand […]

By SAPeople
24-08-16 00:04
in Eish!
gordhan
Pravin Gordhan delivering his budget speech. Source: Twitter @mylimeboots.

The Rand has fallen to its lowest against the dollar since 3 August, after reports surfaced in the Daily Maverick that South Africa’s Finance Minister – Pravin Gordhan – has been summoned by the Hawks to “present” himself on Thursday… which could signal Gordhan’s dismissal from office.

Gordhan Pravin

With the elite police division circling the Treasury Chief, the Rand – which had been performing better recently – plummeted by almost 3 percent to its lowest since 3 August – 13.81 against the dollar.

According to the SABC (watch video below), the Treasury has confirmed its Chief received correspondence from the Hawks yesterday. Gordhan is reported to be seeking legal advice. Gordhan has allegedly been ordered to ‘present’ himself to the Hawks, along with four former tax officials who have received notification of charges against them.

Gordhan is seen by many as the Treasury saviour, in whom investors have confidence, after his appointment led to a strengthening of the Rand – following President Zuma’s pre-Christmas hiring and firing of finance ministers.

It was alleged in South African media earlier this year that Gordhan faced “imminent arrest” for setting up a South African Revenue Service’s (SAR’s) unit – allegedly unlawfully – to spy on political figures such as President Zuma.

At the time Gordhan responded with a statement saying the reports “have been extremely distressing for my family and me. I cannot believe that I am being investigated and could possibly be charged for something I am completely innocent of.”

A Hawks spokesperson has denied knowledge of the reports.

Reaction on social media today ranged from those who say that if Gordhan is guilty of any wrongdoing, he should be investigated; to those that allege this is a political ploy driven by President Zuma.

Some have also said that instead of focussing on “this harmful” #SARSWars, the Hawks should rather prioritise an investigation into SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee) following several tweets today from Olympic javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen.

Viljoen – who brought home a Silver medal for South Africa – tweeted: “If there’s 1 organisation that needs urgent investigation, it is Sascoc. Start with R70 million donation by the Lottery 2 weeks before Rio.”

Her tweets included the below screenshot, as well as: “Money again promised the medallists. Hope to see it within the next year. The begging is set to begin” and “Last #funfact for today. Had to pay out of my own pocket for my Olympic kit to be adjusted by a tailor, because sizes were not taken.”

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