ANC Responds to DA’s Move on Mark Burke
What Happened?
The Democratic Alliance (DA) announced that Mark Burke will no longer sit on Parliament’s finance committee or in the DA’s finance cluster. This decision came after Burke’s fintech company, Kastelo, became the focus of a South African Reserve Bank (SARB) investigation into alleged exchange‑control violations worth about R4 billion.
DA’s Reasoning
DA Parliamentary Leader George Michalakis said the step was taken “out of an abundance of caution” to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest. Burke consulted with the party before the change was made, and Kingsley Wakelin has been appointed as the new finance spokesperson.
ANC’s Response
The African National Congress (ANC) welcomed the move but stressed that removing Burke from a committee does not erase the underlying questions. The party argued that:
- The SARB investigation, the blocking of funds, and the court dismissal of Kastelo’s challenge show this is more than a private business dispute.
- Burke must fully cooperate with all legal processes and allow the law to run its course.
- Political office does not grant immunity from scrutiny; nobody is above the law.
“Follow the Money”
The ANC accused the DA of applying a double standard, demanding accountability from others while appearing lenient when its own members face serious allegations. The party urged authorities to “follow the facts, follow the money” and ensure that accountability prevails.
Burke’s Position
Burke has said he resigned from Kastelo in 2024 to pursue a political career and stepped down as chairperson of the broader Kastelo Group in February 2026. Despite distancing himself, the ANC maintains that his past ties to the company keep him under public scrutiny.
Conclusion
While the DA’s decision to remove Mark Burke from finance‑related committees addresses immediate conflict‑of‑interest concerns, the ANC insists that the broader issue of accountability remains unresolved. The party calls for thorough investigations, transparent legal proceedings, and a consistent standard that applies to all politicians, regardless of party affiliation.
