2. LEASES i) The Panel noted that Ms Botha in her capacity as Head of Department in the Northern Cape Department of Social Services and Population Development signed leases with various companies in the Trifecta Group to a total value of R98 389 206 .00 from the period 1 December 2006 to 1 August 2008. ii) In her defence Ms Botha stated that she merely signed in her capacity as Head of Department, and that the leases were procured by the Supply Chain Management of the Department. When asked why she had not recused herself, she did not respond directly.