Tensions rise in KZN govt over graft allegations

TRANSPORT DEPT IN CROSSHAIRS

- SIPHO JACK

TENSIONS escalated within the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government circles this week following damning statements made by Finance MEC Francois Rodgers against his counterpart, Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Rodgers accused Duma's department of being riddled with corruption, even hinting at the possibility of placing it under administration.

Such was the level of corruption allegations that it compelled Rodgers’ department to stall the awarding of the scholar transport tender.

“There’s a committee called the bid appeal tribunal, which I have appointed. If there’s any problem with bids or tenders, you can appeal to that body,” he explained.

He indicated that the findings of two reports related to tender awards were currently under scrutiny. In adding to the gravity of his accusations, Rodgers pointed fingers at the department's officials and criticised their longstanding habits of unchecked authority.