National Freedom Party calls for investigation into KwaZulu-Natal MECs' corruption allegations
NFP leader Ivan Barnes. | National Freedom Party/ Facebook
Image: Independent Media Archives
Pressure is mounting on KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, with the National Freedom Party (NFP) being the latest to call on the premier to act against two MECs implicated in allegations of wrongdoing.
In a statement, the party urged the premier to recall the two MECs. Party leader, Ivan Rowan Barnes, stated that the NFP is calling for an urgent and thorough investigation into serious allegations of corruption, patronage, and maladministration involving KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, and MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane. Both Hlomuka and Simelane have denied any wrongdoing.
“Publicly available information suggests that both MECs, along with members of their families, may be poised to improperly benefit from government programmes intended to support previously disadvantaged businesses. Further reports indicate that political allies within the African National Congress (ANC) may also stand to gain from these initiatives—allegedly facilitated by the implicated officials.
“The NFP is gravely concerned by the questionable procurement processes through which companies linked to the MECs' families were reportedly appointed. We therefore demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.
“We believe a full investigation will reveal how programmes meant to empower emerging businesses may be manipulated to entrench corruption and political patronage,” said Barnes.