KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka denies involvement in NSNP tender irregularities

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has addressed the allegations surrounding irregularities in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender process, amid calls for his resignation by the MK party and concerns by the Democratic Alliance in the province.

This follows allegations from the NSNP that the R2.9-billion tender process was manipulated for political gain. 

In an interview with Newzroom Africa, Hlomuka acknowledged receiving complaints from various parties but emphasised that the accounting officer and relevant authorities are handling the procurement processes. 

“We're receiving several complaints from various service providers, stakeholders, and other political parties. However, as an MEC in the Department of Education, having received those complaints, I also engaged the MEC for Finance in the province to look into the matter,” Hlomuka said.

He added, “If there are people who are fingered in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), I think the law will take its course.”

Addressing direct allegations that he registered a company involved in SNP tenders, Hlomuka clarified, "In 2015, I opened the company and I've been participating in several government and private services, but currently I don't own any company."

He denied any current involvement, saying, "I am no longer part of the company. Hence, I’m not aware of its activities. If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation,'' he said. 

He denied any current involvement with the tender and stated he had not received any official report linking him to irregularities.

When asked about calls for his resignation by the MK party by July 26, Hlomuka said, “I was appointed by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal. If there’s a need to resign for whatever reason, we’ll wait for that advice from the premier who appointed me.”

Hlomuka highlighted that as MEC, he does not manage the tender processes directly and that any complaints must follow official channels.

“We are told that the process is at the appeal stage, and those who feel unfairly treated must lodge their appeals. The MEC for finance has already indicated he is waiting for those appeals.”

He urged patience as investigations continue, saying, “Let's wait for the process, the investigation will tell us if that company has been awarded before or not.”

In response to the allegations surrounding the NSNP tender process and related issues, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal expressed concern about the widespread accusations circulating on social media platforms against its members.

ANC KZN spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said, “The ANC has noted with concern the widespread allegations of wrongdoing circulating on various social media platforms, levelled against its deployees.”

Regarding the specific allegations of corruption against Hlomuka and Thanduxolo Sabelo, Sibisi said, “We understand that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner.”

He urged patience and trust in due process: “We call on the concerned role-players and the general public to allow this process to run its course.”

On allegations involving Councillor Lungile Mthembu of Mandeni Local Municipality alleged to have solicited a bribe, Sibisi confirmed, “The ANC has instructed the leadership of the General Gizenga Region to institute an investigation into this allegation and to bring a report to the provincial office of the ANC for further processing.”

However, Sibisi cautioned against what he described as a broader campaign to undermine the ANC's integrity. 

“There seems to be a concerted campaign to impugn the integrity of the ANC and its leaders. This campaign, advanced by faceless individuals, not only defames these comrades but has the potential to cause instability.”

He highlighted previous examples, stating, “The case of the non-renewal of Ms Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract is a practical example of how the names of both the concerned ANC leader and the ANC itself can be dragged through the mud based on baseless allegations.”

“The ANC firmly opposes any acts of criminality, especially when they involve public finances. However, we believe that the threshold for damaging someone's character through public allegations is unacceptably low. We must all recognise our responsibility to uphold the principles of our Constitution, which includes respecting individuals' rights to dignity, said ANC KZN Coordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu.

“The ANC remains steadfast in its mission to build a better South Africa where all people, regardless of background or affiliation, are treated with dignity. We urge members of the media, the public, and social commentators to act responsibly, verify facts, and resist being drawn into campaigns that seek to sow confusion and division,'' said Sibisi. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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