Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi, MPL sound bites in English and isiZulu
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has formally written (view here) to KZN Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) Chairperson, Tim Brauteseth MPL, requesting an urgent investigation into the awarding of National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tenders to companies linked to the wives of Thanduxolo Sabelo, a senior ANC figure in the province.
It is deeply concerning that tenders meant to feed the most vulnerable children in our schools are being captured by politically connected individuals. This, while reports of irregular supply, inflated pricing, and poor-quality food continue to plague the programme.
This matter raises serious questions around conflict of interest, procurement manipulation and the ANC’s ongoing abuse of state-funded programmes for personal and political gain. The fact that these tenders were awarded under dubious circumstances, to companies directly tied to an ANC insider’s immediate family, demands immediate parliamentary scrutiny.
The DA has also learnt of undue influence by a certain individual, who is alleged to have been present at the recent tender committee meetings at a Morningside Hotel in Durban, where the awarding of NSNP tenders was discussed. The said individual is alleged to have strong-armed the bid adjudication panel into awarding tenders to companies linked to ANC officials.
The DA has called on SCOPA to:
• Subpoena all procurement documents related to the awarding of these NSNP tenders
• Investigate the bidding processes followed, including the scoring criteria and the identities of adjudication panel members
• Probe whether these contracts were declared in terms of conflict-of- interest guidelines and;
• Recommend disciplinary or criminal referral where wrongdoing is uncovered.
The DA is committed to ensuring that the NSNP serves its true purpose – feeding hungry learners – not enriching ANC elites. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), we will not rest until every cent stolen from the mouths of our children is accounted for and those responsible are held to account.