Testifying before the Zondo Commission on Monday, Thabethe, battled to account and give a reason why he approved a payment of R29 million to the Gupta-linked Estina company before a comprehensive feasibility study was conducted. He once more battled to explain why Estina was chosen as a local partner for the project. His return to the commission on Monday saw him being grilled for the department’s advance payments to the company and lack of monitoring on how money was spent. State Capture Inquiry evidence leader, advocate Leah Gcabashe, further grilled him over his response that he did not know who Estina paid with the $5 million that was set out for a feasibility study.

At least R220 million earmarked to assist emerging black farmers in the province through this project was allegedly looted from the province and benefited the Gupta family and their associates.

During his testimony in August, Thabethe also came under fire for signing off on the project after the Commission heard how Estina’s account only had a balance of about R16 on 4 July 2012, days before the provincial government deposited millions into its account.

He continues with his testimony.

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