MEC Hlomuka denies involvement in school nutrition tender irregularities

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has addressed the allegations surrounding irregularities in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender process, amid calls for his resignation by the MK Party and concerns raised by the DA.

- HOPE NTANZI [e-mail]

This follows allegations from the NSNP association of service providers that the R2.9-billion tender process was manipulated for political gain.

In an interview with television news channel Newzroom Africa, Hlomuka acknowledged receiving complaints from various parties but emphasised that the accounting officer and relevant authorities are handling the procurement processes.

“We're receiving several complaints from various service providers, stakeholders, and other political parties. However, as an MEC in the Department of Education, having received those complaints, I also engaged the MEC for Finance in the province to look into the matter,” Hlomuka said.

He added, “If there are people who are fingered in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), I think the law will take its course”