DA welcomes RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo's placement on special leave
The placement of Road Accident Fund CEO Collins Letsoalo on precautionary leave is a long-overdue but necessary step to ensure that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) can conduct its preliminary investigation without interference or influence, the DA said on Wednesday.
The transport department said the decision was in the interest of good governance and a precautionary step to facilitate ongoing investigative processes.
'It does not imply any prejudgment or adverse finding against the CEO.'
The DA said Letsoalo's temporary removal from office must facilitate full transparency and accountability, particularly in light of serious allegations concerning the RAF's governance failures, financial mismanagement and possible misconduct.
Briefing the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) last month, the SIU said it had experienced a lack of co-operation from the RAF in its investigation into the affairs of the entity.
'There were instances where the SIU had to resort to opening a criminal case against a RAF executive for failure to adhere to a lawful subpoena issued by the SIU in terms of the SIU Act,' SIU head Any Mothibi said last month.
The DA said the ministry of transport's support for the decision to place Letsoalo on leave must be followed by full co-operation with Scopa and law enforcement agencies.
'The precautionary suspension of the CEO is just the beginning. The DA will not rest until justice and good governance are restored at the RAF.'
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It was also built in the 1970s during this era of the 'white housing' crisis. It was completed in 1973, measuring 81m with 22 floors. This erf was once the home of the International Hotel before it was transformed into a residential tower with a shopping centre component. Last, the well-known Twin Towers in Sea Point were also built during this period of relaxed regulation. These two identical towers are right next to each other on Beach Road. All this was done in the name of alleviating the housing shortage for the white people, who were the only ones permitted to live in these areas. It's crazy to think that these developments were all built as a solution to a housing crisis at the time, yet their effect on the Cape Town skyline will be experienced by so many generations to come. They've left a significant imprint on the city's urban history. Perhaps they are a fundamental lesson for us all when it comes to the sustainability and essence of urban planning and design. 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