THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Question 34
Mr T D Harris (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office
(CIPRO) regards certain companies as fraudulently registered; if so,
what are the names of the officials who approved the registrations of
the names of each of these companies;
(2) Whether any disciplinary action has been taken against these
officials; if not, why not; if so, what action;
(3) whether the officials concerned are still responsible for vetting
names for approval during the period 1 August 2009 up to the latest
specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if
so, what are the relevant details? CW46E
Response:
(1) Preliminary investigation of the 114 companies it has found that the
correct registration procedures were followed. However, the
investigation also pointed to a possibility of misrepresentation on
the part of companies. These companies were registered as associated
companies of the main companies already registered with CIPRO. As soon
the full investigation is completed, the required corrective steps
will be taken based on the findings.
The Department is not in a position to divulge the names of the
officials who registered the companies pending the outcome of the
investigation.
(2) Based on the outcome and recommendations of the full investigation,
action will be taken in terms of the disciplinary procedures of CIPRO
in line with the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Service
Code of Conduct Procedures.
(3) Internal investigations are underway to ascertain whether there was
any wrong-doing by any CIPRO officials in this regard. Should evidence
be found of any misconduct by officials, the necessary disciplinary
process will be undertaken. All allegations in this matter are also of
a criminal nature. CIPRO will proceed with criminal charges against
perpetrators in addition to the internal disciplinary steps.