Scopa demands answers as DUT's R400m construction scandal deepens

Songezo Zibi wants AG to investigate

- By Nkululeko Ncana

Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) is demanding answers from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) following explosive fraud and corruption allegations surrounding a now-halted R400-million construction project that was meant to transform the institution's Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses.

Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi told Sunday World that he had noted the coverage relating to the serious allegations and was in the process of seeking accountability from the embattled institution.

“I have noted the news coverage and will shortly be sending detailed questions and a request for documents from the institution. That information will help the committee determine how to proceed. I have also notified the Office of the AG about the same,” said Zibi, confirming he had brought the matter to the attention of Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke.

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela mentioned earlier this week that DUT officials had informed him that an investigation was underway and that he would soon receive feedback on the scandal.

The intervention marks a significant escalation in a corruption scandal that has rocked the prestigious university, with the ambitious construction project experiencing severe delays and cost overruns running into millions of rands.

The project was meant to be completed two years ago.