He said he did not see why the investigators needed his permission to do their investigation. He adds that the department did not have a problem with the investigators who were investigating the Estina matter. He, however, says the only problem the department had with the issue was that they wanted to engage with those involved at Estina without involving the department. However, Thabethe again told the commission that he realises he had made a mistake for not allowing investigators at that time.

Thabethe says the agreement between the department and the Estina project did not allow them to give information without the consent of the department. “The Confidentiality Clause on page 346 of the contract between the department and Estina [determined that those involved] would not disclose any confidential information to anyone without written consent. Zondo said it clearly says the HOD must give permission.

OFM News previously reported that Raymond Zondo queried the logic of the controversial Estina Dairy Project monitoring its own performance. Zondo asked Thabethe to clarify why this was the case. He then put it to Thabethe that he found it to be strange, given that certain clauses allowed the department to also monitor. But Thabethe says what the department intended was to allow those involved at Estina to have an internal monitoring system.

OFM News