The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes the precautionary suspension of Department of Transport Head of Department (HOD) Siboniso Mbhele by Premier Thami Ntuli.
The move follows alarming findings by the Auditor-General and detailed media reports alleging serious financial and procurement irregularities within KZN’s Department of Transport (DoT).
The DA welcomes any indication that Premier Ntuli is contemplating action. Allegations of corruption, irregular expenditure and abuse of procurement processes within the DoT have become chronic and have directly undermined service delivery and public trust.
Last week, the DA formally wrote to the Premier’s Office (view here), calling for an immediate and independent investigation into the HODs alleged misconduct. Our correspondence outlined grave concerns, which, if substantiated, may constitute clear violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), provincial Supply Chain Management (SCM) regulations, and possibly criminal misconduct.
The DA has further requested that the Premier’s office:
• Summon relevant officials to testify under oath and provide all procurement and financial records
• Secure and examine bid documents, variation orders, financial records and audit reports
• Involve forensic investigators to ensure full technical oversight
• Table a public report in the KZN Legislature detailing findings and accountability measures
• Impose a moratorium on further payments related to the implicated tenders until investigations are concluded and;
• Refer any proven wrongdoing for criminal investigation and ensure implicated companies are debarred.
We also call on Premier Ntuli to move beyond considering the HODs suspension and to take decisive action in the interests of upholding transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
As a committed partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to play its oversight role and monitor this matter closely. We will also pursue it through all legislative oversight mechanisms to ensure that those responsible are held to account. The people of our province deserve a government that protects public funds and prioritises service delivery.