An investigation by FirstRand has found no evidence that Mac Maharaj was involved in corruption during his tenure as minister of transport. Maharaj was a director and employee of FirstRand Bank.

The finding was made public as Maharaj resigned from the board of the bank yesterday, denying any wrongdoing and saying he was quitting to protect the bank and his family. "It is not necessary for FirstRand to have all the controversies around me hanging around the company. The controversy, misrepresentation and slander that have arisen are taking their toll on my family and me," he said.

The announcement by FirstRand was the culmination of an inquiry launched four months ago after allegations against Maharaj of malpractices during his tenure as minister.

But while FirstRand has concluded its probe, it is evident that some questions remain unanswered. The first being: why would Flisan Investments, owned by Maharaj's wife Zarina, allegedly enter into an agreement for a contract worth more than R300 000 for consultancy work with a company which allegedly benefited from transport-related contracts while Maharaj was transport minister?

The second question relates to the R200 000 deposited into the bank account of Milsek, Maharaj's family trust. The deposits were made at a time when Maharaj was a cabinet minister. The public deserves to know why the amounts were paid.

Maharaj also maintains that he paid for his family's trip to Disneyland in the United States. This is contrary to the findings of the probe that the Nkobi group ultimately paid the R15 000 bill for his family's five-day stay. The former minister needs to produce documentary proof that he settled the bill himself.

Maharaj says he is innocent and, given his struggle record, we would like to believe him.

With acknowledgement to the Cape Times.