DA is just a blue version of the ANC

THE African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for a full investigation into allegations involving Kastelo and Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Finance Chairperson and Member of Parliament Mark Burke, amid Reserve Bank scrutiny of approximately R4 billion in transactions.

In a statement, ATM said the matter should be viewed within the broader context of illicit financial flows and the alleged unlawful movement of South African wealth offshore.

The party said allegations involving billions of rand could not be dismissed as an ordinary commercial dispute, particularly as South Africa continues to face unemployment, poverty and economic pressure.

According to ATM, the South African Reserve Bank identified reasonable grounds to suspect exchange-control contraventions involving about R4 billion, including the possible use of third-party allowances to move funds offshore.

The party said the allegations raised serious concerns about potential capital flight and the integrity of South Africa's financial system.

ATM also questioned Burke's links to the matter, noting that he is the founder of Kastelo, a DA MP and the party's Federal Finance Chairperson.

The party said reports that Burke had donated more than R400 000 to the DA further raised questions about accountability, political influence and financial oversight.

ATM rejected attempts to portray the matter as merely a technical dispute.

"Illicit financial flows rob South Africa of money needed for jobs, investment and development, while ordinary citizens are expected to carry the burden of a struggling economy," the party said.

ATM also accused the DA of hypocrisy, arguing that the party had historically demanded investigations, suspensions and resignations when allegations of wrongdoing involved members of the ANC and other political parties.

The movement said the DA had previously argued that political leaders should take responsibility even before criminal proceedings were concluded, but was now allegedly calling for patience and due process when allegations involved one of its senior figures.

The ATM said the issue exposed what it described as selective accountability within the DA.

"South Africa does not need a blue version of the ANC," the party said.

ATM called on the South African Reserve Bank, the Financial Intelligence Centre, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation without fear, favour or political interference.

The party also called on Parliament to consider whether any potential conflict of interest exists if individuals linked to companies under investigation participate in parliamentary structures responsible for overseeing the financial sector.

"Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law," ATM said.

The movement said it would continue campaigning against illicit financial flows and the alleged extraction of South Africa's wealth.

"Our financial system cannot become a playground for politically connected individuals while ordinary South Africans are expected to carry the burden of economic decline," the party said.

The statement was issued by ATM Media and Communications Department national spokesperson Zama Ntshona.