Parliament, 10 March 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has welcomed the ongoing progress in the investigation of Alexkor, which is currently being conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The committee remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance within the state mining company.
The investigation falls under Proclamation No. R.45 of 2021, which was published in Government Gazette 45617 on 10 December 2021 and was amended as Proclamation R.254 published on 28 March 2025. The SIU began its probe into Alexkor shortly after the Speaker of the National Assembly referred a petition to the committee on 28 February 2025. The petition, submitted by Mr Gavin Graythorne, called for Parliament to investigate allegations of corruption and governance failures at Alexkor.
The SIU’s investigation primarily focused on the procurement processes related to Scarlet Sky Investment, also known as Alexander Bay Diamond Company (ABDC), in 2014 and 2016. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the marketing, valuation and sale of diamonds by ABDC, which has raised concerns about possible mismanagement and corruption.
The SIU has made referrals for civil recovery, disciplinary action and criminal proceedings against officials who formed part of the Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) between Alexkor and the Richtersveld Mining Company (RMC) at the time of the procurement. It is also continuing investigations into any decision not to buy by bidders or the State Diamond Trader; contracts concluded between traders, auctioneers, and diamond buyers; and the contract between Alexkor and Regiments Capital Pty Ltd, particularly in relation to conflicts of interest.
Upon receipt of the petition, the committee took a two-fold approach to address the allegations. It first engaged directly with Mr Graythorne and subsequently conducted a three-day oversight visit to Alexkor in Alexander Bay, Northern Cape. The oversight visit was crucial in providing the committee with firsthand insights into the operational challenges and governance issues at the mine.
The committee’s oversight report, which was adopted by the National Assembly, included a number of recommendations. Among the recommendations was a call for the committee to undertake an inquiry into Alexkor, ensuring that any systemic failures in governance and management were thoroughly examined.
The inquiry’s terms of reference will be carefully crafted to ensure that they complement and do not duplicate the work already being done by the SIU. The committee Chairperson, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, has reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency, saying that the terms of reference will be made public once they have been officially adopted.
“Our committee is deeply committed to ensuring that all levels of governance within the state mining company adhere to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. It is essential that the full extent of any wrongdoing is uncovered, and that those responsible are held accountable,” Mr Mahlaule said.
The committee looks forward to continued cooperation with the SIU and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the investigation into Alexkor is completed thoroughly and impartially.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES, MR MIKATEKO MAHLAULE.
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