The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has expressed significant concern over allegations involving illicit financial flows linked to Mark Burke, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Federal Finance Chairperson and Member of Parliament.
Recent reports indicate that Burke’s company, Kastelo, is currently under investigation by the South African Reserve Bank due to questionable transactions amounting to around R4 billion.
In a media statement, the ATM revealed that the Reserve Bank has uncovered reasonable grounds for suspecting violations of exchange control regulations.
The investigation by the central bank is centered on the possible misuse of third-party allowances to unlawfully move significant sums of money offshore.
The ATM has asserted that this situation should not be trivialized as a mere commercial dispute.
The political party emphasizes that such substantial capital outflows directly jeopardize South Africa’s financial integrity, particularly during a challenging period marked by economic strain, poverty, and high unemployment rates.
Additionally, the ATM stressed that Mark Burke should not be seen as a detached figure in this emerging scenario.
Given his prominent role as a DA Member of Parliament, Federal Finance Chairperson, and founder of Kastelo—along with reports of his contributions exceeding R400,000 to the DA—the ATM contends that his association with the company under investigation raises vital questions about political influence, financial oversight, and public accountability.
“We reject any attempts to diminish this issue as a mere technicality. Illicit financial flows deprive South Africa of resources necessary for job creation, investment, and development, while ordinary citizens bear the weight of a struggling economy. This situation also highlights the growing contradictions within the Democratic Alliance.
“For years, the DA has positioned itself as the arbiter of integrity in governance, demanding resignations, suspensions, and investigations when allegations arose involving ANC members or other political parties. The DA has consistently maintained that political leaders should be held accountable even before criminal proceedings reach a conclusion.
Yet, when serious allegations involve one of their senior members, the DA suddenly advocates for patience, restraint, and the significance of due process,” stated ATM’s National Spokesperson Zama Ntshona.
Ntshona further noted that the DA has long claimed to provide a viable alternative to the ANC. However, it appears to be adopting some of the ANC’s most detrimental political practices: shielding insiders, rallying around politically advantageous individuals, and applying accountability inconsistently. South Africa does not require a blue-tinted version of the ANC.
“It is our duty to urge the South African Reserve Bank, the Financial Intelligence Centre, law enforcement agencies, and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, free from fear, favoritism, or political interference. Parliament must also explore whether there’s a potential conflict of interest that arises when individuals connected to companies under investigation participate in parliamentary oversight of the financial sector.
“If wrongdoing is determined, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law. The ATM is committed to combating illicit financial flows and the exploitation of South Africa’s wealth. Our financial landscape cannot serve as a playground for those politically connected while ordinary South Africans shoulder the economic decline,” added Ntshona.
