Call for Hlomuka to respond to corruption claims

KZN premier has asked education MEC to provide comprehensive report

- THAMI MAGUBANE

PRESSURE is mounting on the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, amid growing calls for an investigation into allegations that he interfered in the awarding of contracts for the school nutrition programme.

KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said he had written to Hlomuka and asked for a comprehensive report “detailing all relevant facts, context, and any recent developments pertaining to the allegations.

“As the head of a government founded on the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance, I am duty-bound to respond promptly and decisively,” Ntuli said.

ActionSA and MK Party have both voiced their concern about the serious allegations of irregularities and corruption, while labour union federation Cosatu has stated that the department must come out clearly and explain how the tenders have been awarded.

The allocation of tenders for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which will provide meals to schools in the coming year, has come under scrutiny amid allegations by an association of service providers that contracts were awarded to individuals with political connections.

Finance MEC Francois Rodgers said in a statement that he has received multiple media queries regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the NSNP.