KZN Premier Thami Ntuli demands answers from MECs over corruption allegations

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has demanded written explanations from two of his provincial executive members following serious corruption allegations,  and has promised action “without fear or favour” once he receives their formal responses.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is accused of interfering in the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme bidding process. Allegations have emerged that a company he helped start in 2017 is involved in the current tender process.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika earlier this week,  Hlomuka claimed he had long since distanced himself from the company.

Hlomuka denied current involvement with a company linked to the tender, stating:

"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."

"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. Let's wait for the process,'' he said. 

Ntuli said he had contacted both MECs as soon as he became aware of the claims.

“Indeed, when I received these allegations, I did call to alert them, I would be writing to them so that they give me full information regarding the allegations. Hence, I'm waiting for their response by tomorrow, latest by Monday,” he said.

Asked whether he believes Hlomuka, Ntuli said the investigation would determine whether any laws were broken in the procurement process.

"There are two things: whether the process itself was conducted with integrity or whether there were violations of the laws that regulate the process. Then if it did not, the problem starts," Ntuli said.

“The process will even in fact, point to who has to be held accountable for what might have happened.”

Ntuli insisted his office would not shy away from taking decisive action.

“I will take appropriate actions. As soon as I receive the reports, that will inform me what exactly to do. I'm not afraid to take a step because the allegations are serious,” he told broadcaster  Newzroom Afrika.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under scrutiny over claims that her family business may have benefited improperly from government contracts. Ntuli confirmed he requested a formal explanation.

“The only matter that I requested the MEC to provide information about was the one that links her family to benefiting from the provincial government,” he said.

Asked about a separate claim involving Simelane allegedly influencing the dismissal of a radio Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Ntuli said he was only aware of it through “corridor information” and had received no formal complaint.

Ntuli added that Simelane denied any involvement.

“There is no one who complained about that issue. That radio personality never complained, and the radio station never submitted anything to that effect.”

Ntuli said he would update the public next week.

“Before the end of next week, I will apprise the public of the appropriate action.”

“There is no space for any wrongdoing in our government. Any acts of maladministration, corruption will always find consequences.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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