DA pickets at clinic over ANC-linked nepotism claims

'FISHY TENDER'

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

THE Democratic Alliance (DA) took its fight to the gates of Evaton's Levai Mbata Clinic, staging a picket and handing over a memorandum demanding answers over a pavement upgrade that has spiralled into a tender scandal mired in alleged ANC-linked nepotism.

Over 500 Evaton residents took to the streets, singing and painting the streets blue in protest over being excluded from job opportunities in the Levai Mbata Clinic pavement project.

Waving placards reading "Emfuleni is not a family business," "Stamp out cadre deployment," and "Stop corruption," the community demanded an end to what they say is ANC-linked nepotism that continues to choke local opportunities.

The DA has given Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko 14 days to respond, or face being hauled before the Public Protector.

Previously, The Star reported that the DA demanded Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to immediately terminate what it described as a "fishy tender" and take decisive action against anyone who may have benefited improperly.

The DA Emfuleni North Constituency Head, Kingsol Chabalala, revealed that the subcontractor appointed for the project is owned by Sipho Ncwadi, the ANC Branch Secretary in Emfuleni, who also conveniently serves as the project's Community Liaison Officer.