Praise for swift action on DA MP Mark Burke amid calls for accountability

The Alliance of Citizens for Change (A.C.C.) has welcomed the prompt removal of DA MP Dr Mark Burke from Parliament’s finance committee and the DA’s finance cluster amid an ongoing SARB investigation into Kastelo.

iol news reported that the step was taken to eliminate any potential conflict of interest while Kastelo — a firm in which Burke holds a beneficial interest — is being investigated by the SA Reserve Bank regarding alleged exchange-control violations totaling nearly R4 billion.

Masizole Mnqasela President of the A.C.C., believes this is the appropriate course of action. 

He noted: “Parliament and political parties must maintain the highest standards of ethical leadership, particularly where public representatives exercise oversight over institutions connected to matters in which they may have financial interests.”

Mnqasela emphasised that Burke holds the position of Treasurer-General within the DA — a key leadership role involving significant trust and responsibility over the party’s financial affairs — rather than being a mere rank-and-file member.

Action to protect oversight 

According to Mnqasela, this heightens the severity of the concerns regarding his financial holdings, and the DA leadership faces an even greater duty to respond with transparency and resolve.

Mnqasela said: “We commend the swift action taken to protect the integrity of parliamentary oversight.

“However, it is concerning that the DA itself has not taken decisive internal action against Dr Burke and has failed to even suspend him from his duties as Treasurer-General pending the outcome of the investigation.”

“With Parliament removing him from finance duties, the DA must justify allowing someone facing such serious unresolved matters to remain as Treasurer-General,” he added.

Mnqasela said accountability must be applied consistently. The standards political parties expect from the government and rival parties should equally be enforced within their own ranks.

“The SARB must be allowed to conduct its investigation independently, thoroughly and without political interference.

“Should evidence establish wrongdoing by any individual or company, the law must take its course without fear, favour or political consideration,” he said.

The alliance recognised that allegations do not prove guilt and that Burke and Kastelo deserved due process, but said political leaders must take proactive steps to safeguard public trust and organisational integrity.

Mnqasela said: “South Africans deserve a Parliament and political parties whose leaders are held to the highest standards when entrusted with financial responsibility. Accountability must apply to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.”

IOL NEWS