nOMVULA Mokonyane bOSASA

Photo: GCIS

State Capture Inquiry: Mokonyane ‘spoiled with gifts’ from Bosasa CEO

If you serve as a government minister, like Nomvula Mokonyane did, being showered by gifts from the corruption kingpins at Bosasa isn’t a great look.

nOMVULA Mokonyane bOSASA

Photo: GCIS

Another compelling day at the State Capture Inquiry has proved to be particularly damaging for the former minister Nomvula Mokonyane. Her PA, Sandy Thomas, has revealed that Gavin Watson – the former CEO of Bosasa – regularly arranged to send birthday gifts to the ANC stalwart while she occupied public office.

Mokonyane and Bosasa’s cosy relationship

The act itself may not seem so sinister at first, but Mokonyane is also accused of being kept on a ‘bribery retainer’ by the company to lobby for their interests in Parliament. As revealed by witnesses past and present, Bosasa orchestrated a complex system of backhanders and sweeteners between themselves and the politically connected.

Thomas, who finally managed to appear at the State Capture Inquiry after some confusion last week, wasn’t shy when it came to listing the details of Watson’s gifts. The witness told the panel just how lavish these presents were.

What Gavin Watson is alleged to have bought Nomvula Mokonyane – according to Sandy Thomas

  • Over the years, Mokonyane ‘would get birthday presents’ from Gavin Watson – which often came as a surprise.
  • She ‘may have received a hamper’ at some other stage, but not on the specific day mentioned previously.
  • Sets of ‘Christmas parcels’ would be delivered to Mokonyane’s house, by Bosasa operatives.
  • Flowers were sent to the Mokonyane home, ‘by request of the Bosasa CEO’.
  • Thomas also confirmed that ‘maintenance work’ was carried out frequently by the company at this property.

Birthdays are a serious business for Bosasa…

Thomas stated that Gavin Watson made a habit of buying gifts for Mokonyane, always remembering her birthday. The relationship between this kingpin of corruption and a senior government representative was perhaps too close for comfort:

“I think through their discussions he discovered myself and the minister share a birthday in the same week, he would then also surprise me or call me. Gavin Watson would call either on my birthday or the day after my birthday. He would ask for my opinion on what to buy for Nomvula, and ask me for recommendations.”

Sandy Thomas