7. MS BOTHA'S TESTIMONY, AFFIDAVIT 2 and AGREEMENT i) In her defence Ms Botha explained that she had failed to get a bank loan for the renovations hence she turned to Trifecta, Ms Botha submitted a laon application from ABSA Bank. The Panel noted that the application for a loan was made in May 2011 months after the investigation against her commenced. ii) She also stated that payment of the loan was to be made from her pension fund contributions and through her own funds. The Panel noted that payment to Trifecta Investment Holdings was only made after the investigation commenced. iii) In her testimony Ms Botha indicated that she always intended to repay the amount when she received her pension payout. The Panel noted that in her initial affidavit she did not indicate this. iv) Ms Botha stated that the loan was recorded by Trifecta's Auditors. The Panel noted that the loan certificate was only issued after the investigation commenced. v) Ms Botha also submitted a second signed agreement between herself and Trifecta Investments indicating that she would pay the amounts due. This document was signed on 20 June 2011, also done after the investigation commenced. vi) Ms Botha also submitted an affidavit by NJ Pollard the accountant of the Trifecta Group of Companies which states that he had checked Trifecta's record and found that no previous loan certificates which were issued by Ms Buizer. vii) When questioned about her relationship with Mr. Scholtz, Ms Botha stated that she met Scholtz of Trifecta only once and at the funeral of Mr Breda. viii) Mr. Malan worked directly under the direction of Mr. Scholtz and he believed that details of payments for the renovations were discussed between Ms Botha and Mr. Scholtz. He stated "They know each other quite well and must have had mutual dealings on this matter." ix) Ms Buizer testified that the relationship between Mr. Scholtz and Ms Botha was "warm" and that Ms Botha visited Mr. Scholtz office on many occasions, she recalled that she made tea for them. x) Ms Botha stated that she had not visited Mr. Scholtz office and did not have a close relationship with Mr. Scholtz. xi) Ms Botha submitted when completed the form for the declaration of the interests she did not think that the loan from Trifecta was a benefit. xii) In her evidence Ms Botha stated that Mr. S Breda was a close family friend.