1 August 2020
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Moses Mabhida Province (KwaZulu Natal) welcomes the arrest of five senior officials in the Premier's office related to tenders awarded in the past few years. Some of these tenders are related to events which were organised by the Premier's office. As the case progresses, we hope that it will shed more light on the true nature of corruption in the province.
This links closely with the investigation done at the Provincial Department of Social Development where the investigation also points out at the gross negligence of procurement processes by the senior officials within the department, which the Premier has instructed that they should be charged.
As the SACP in the province, we see this as not a mere coincidence, but a glaring growing pattern that leaves us worried that the provincial government is becoming a breeding ground for corruption by unscrupulous individuals that are closer to the supply chain processes within various departments. It is our firm belief that these departmental officials have an organised coordinated network that extends farther than just themselves.
The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to know how their tax money is being used by the provincial government. At the time of Covid-19, people are experiencing harsh economic and social conditions where many are losing their jobs, living in abject poverty. It is the government that must come to their aid in alleviating their suffering by providing relief and comfort in these desperate times.
The SACP in Moses Mabhida Province, therefore, calls upon the Honourable Premier to institute a forensic investigation on all the provincial departments. The investigation should be led a body with broader powers to investigate the tenders and expose those who have been beneficiaries of irregularly-issued tenders and with unreasonably exorbitant price escalations. The investigation must also concentrate on all Covid-19 tendering process in all departments.
ISSUED BY THE SACP MOSES MABHIDA (KZN) PROVINCE
For more information, contact:
Sifiso Gwala
Provincial Spokesperson
064 907 0498
sifisogwala@gmail.com
Nomcebo Msomi
Media Liaison Officer
0769695897
msomi.nomcebo@gmail.com
