The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for a full investigation into allegations involving Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Finance Chairperson and Member of Parliament Mark Burke and his company, Kastelo.
The call follows reports that Kastelo is under scrutiny by the South African Reserve Bank over transactions reportedly worth about R4 billion.
According to the ATM, the Reserve Bank has identified what it considers reasonable grounds to investigate possible breaches of South Africa’s exchange-control regulations.
The investigation is reportedly examining whether third-party allowances were used to transfer large sums of money out of the country unlawfully.
ATM said the allegations should not be treated as a routine commercial disagreement, arguing that transactions of such magnitude could have wider implications for South Africa’s economy and financial system.
The party also questioned Burke’s connection to the matter, given his senior position within the DA and his role as founder of Kastelo. ATM further pointed to reports that Burke has donated more than R400,000 to the DA.
The party said these links raise questions about political influence, financial oversight, and accountability.
ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona accused the DA of applying different standards when dealing with allegations of wrongdoing involving its own members.
“We therefore reject attempts to downplay this as 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,” Ntshona said.
He also criticised what he described as a contradiction between the DA’s public stance on corruption and its response when allegations involve one of its senior officials.
“For years, the DA has positioned itself as the moral authority on corruption and clean governance. It has demanded resignations, suspensions, and investigations whenever allegations have involved members of the ANC or other political parties,” he said.
Ntshona argued that the DA had previously maintained that political leaders should accept responsibility even before criminal proceedings were concluded.
“Yet when serious allegations touch one of its own senior leaders, the DA suddenly discovers patience, restraint, and the importance of due process,” he said.
He further accused the DA of adopting some of the political practices it has historically criticised within the African National Congress.
“South Africa does not need a blue version of the ANC,” Ntshona said.
ATM has called on the South African Reserve Bank, the Financial Intelligence Centre, law-enforcement agencies, and other relevant institutions to conduct comprehensive investigations without political interference.
The party also wants Parliament to examine whether any potential conflict of interest exists if individuals connected to companies under investigation serve on parliamentary structures responsible for overseeing the financial sector.
“Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law,” Ntshona said.
He added that ATM would continue campaigning against illicit financial flows and what it described as the unlawful removal of South African wealth from the country.
The allegations against Burke and Kastelo have not been proven, and any wrongdoing would have to be established through the relevant investigations and legal processes.