The Congress of the People intends asking the Public Protector to investigate communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda’s business interests, a party spokeswoman said on Friday.

The party alleged his business interests were in conflict with section 96 of the Constitution and section 2 of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act.

This meant he could not undertake any other paid work, expose himself to a conflict of private and official interests, use his position to enrich himself, or act in a way that could compromise the credibility of government.

“Cope believes that Nyanda is in breach of the act in respect of circumstances and elements surrounding contracts between his GNS Security Company and Transnet Freight Rail, and also other government departments,” MP Juli Killian said.

She did not accept his explanation that he was no longer involved with the companies. “Fact of the matter is that he remains a direct financial beneficiary of profits derived from the contracts between his personal interests and government departments and parastatals,” she alleged. — Sapa