Former Transport Minister Mac Maharaj is a man fully committed to this country. He fought for its freedom and when the opportunity came to serve it, he did so admirably, but seemingly not without some blemishes.

Now, following revelations of possible improper conduct, he has resigned from all the positions he held with FirstRand, where he had been non-executive director since leaving the Cabinet in 1999.

When this paper reported in February that he had received sums of money from the companies of Schabir Shaik - the Durban businessman also being investigated in connection with bribery in an arms deal - and that these had not been declared to Parliament in accordance with the rules, Maharaj denied any wrong doing. He said all his work was a matter of public record at the department he led.

However, now that questions are being asked about payments for a trip to Disney World in the US, Maharaj says he cannot explain the confusion about payments because he has no access to government documents that relate to what would be personal payments.

This is simply unacceptable. The country's laws allow for access to information, especially that information held by the government, if one can prove the need.

Maharaj announced his resignation from FirstRand at a press conference on Thursday, and emphasised that he was innocent. This may well turn out to be so, but a number of unexplained issues remain.

These include:

• Why two R100 000 deposits were made to a family trust account, which Maharaj says he is unable to explain;
• and Why a US company that had been asked by Shaik to look after Maharaj at Disney World billed Shaik for services that Maharaj claims he settled himself.

Maharaj has blamed his wife's "chaotic" handling of finances for the confusion. Be that as it may, the point is that Maharaj cannot expect the public to accept his declarations of innocence when, by his own account, he is failing to explain the presence of at least R200 000 in his family account.

Maharaj had harsh words for the media and the Scorpions, accusing both of unbecoming behaviour by insinuating guilt and leaking information respectively.

As the paper that broke the story, we have at all times ensured that no claims of bribery or guilt are vented in our stories. We have reported the facts as we have investigated and found them, and at all times accorded him the right of reply.

It is a good thing that Maharaj has chosen to leave the bank. It gives the institution space to get on with its business. But Maharaj owes the people of South Africa a thorough explanation, one that would ensure his credibility as a fighter for justice, fairness and truth is not tarnished.

The Scorpions, who have been investigating this matter, need to move speedily and ensure closure, one way or the other. Interestingly in the Maharaj matter, as opposed to the one involving Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Shaik has agreed to answer their questions.

This should help close the matter.

With acknowledgements to the Sunday Times.