Scopa draws line in the sand, subpoenas RAF’s former chief
Public Expenditure
Scopa has unanimously resolved to subpoena former RAF chief executive Collins Letsoalo.
Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers
IN a decisive move underscoring the gravity of its ongoing inquiry into the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has unanimously resolved to subpoena former RAF chief executive Collins Letsoalo.
The decision follows repeated unsuccessful efforts to secure Letsoalo’s voluntary appearance before the committee. SCOPA had previously resolved to send him a final letter of invitation, with a clear warning that failure to respond would trigger formal summons proceedings under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act of 2004.
That threshold has now been crossed. This week, Parliament’s legal advisor,Fatima Ebrahim, reported to the committee that Letsoalo had not responded to the final letter, effectively closing the door on voluntary cooperation.
Scopa then deliberated and unanimously agreed to issue a summons. Committee chairperson Songezo Zibi confirmed that the next step involves seeking the concurrence of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. “Since a summons is a drastic step,” Zibi said, “the letter will explain that the information the committee seeks is within Letsoalo’s personal knowledge and cannot be obtained by other means”.
If the Speaker grants her approval, the Secretary to Parliament will formally deliver the summons to Letsoalo. Committee members emphasised the critical importance of his appearance, describing the former chief executive as central to their inquiry.
“The former chief executive is central to the enquiry,” the committee stated, “and his evidence will assist in developing a complete picture of the RAF’s challenges over the last five years.”
Zibi underscored the procedural fairness underpinning the committee’s actions. “Several witnesses have made averments that fairness demands Letsoalo is given an opportunity to respond,” he said. “His insights as chief executive of the RAF will also assist the committee to reach well-informed conclusions and recommendations to the NA through the committee’s final report.”
The subpoena marks a significant escalation in Scopa’s efforts to hold public entities accountable and signals the committee’s determination to leave no stone unturned in its investigation into the RAF’s operations and governance.