Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi, MPL sound bites in English and IsiZulu
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report and subsequent Special Tribunal ruling, confirming gross abuse of procurement processes within the province’s Department of Education (DoE), relating to a R2.5 million chemical toilets contract.
The SIU findings confirm that the contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process, in violation of Section 217 of the Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Supply Chain Management prescripts. A total of 16 DoE officials were found to have participated in the unlawful procurement.
Even more concerning is the SIU confirmation that the service provider, Hawulethu (Pty) Ltd, overcharged the department by more than 100%, delivered services prior to being formally appointed and submitted invoices for services not rendered – further displaying a deliberate and coordinated abuse of public resources. The Tribunal has now set aside the contract and ordered the company to repay profits with interest, submit audited financial statements within 30 days and cover the review process legal costs.
The DA commends the SIU for its work. While this outcome is a victory for accountability, it must not end at court orders and needs to extend to those who enabled this corruption.
We therefore call on KZN Education HoD, Nkosinathi Ngcobo to immediately institute disciplinary action against every implicated official, without fear, favour or further delay. This must include precautionary suspension where warranted, full internal hearings, recovery of all funds unlawfully spent, and referrals for criminal prosecution where applicable.
Learners across KZN continue to suffer as a result of infrastructure backlogs with many still learning in unsafe and undignified environments, while millions are siphoned through irregular contracts. This is a betrayal of our children and taxpayers who expect competence and ethical governance.
As a responsible partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will closely monitor the progress of disciplinary processes. Any attempt to delay or dilute action will be met with firm public and parliamentary pressure. Those who stole from our education system must face consequences.