Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
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 stated that he has received multiple media queries regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the NSNP. 'I have noted media reports indicating that an association of NSNP service providers plans to report allegations of tender fraud to my office for investigation. However, I have not received any formal representations on this matter at this stage.'
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'It is my responsibility as KZN Finance MEC to ensure fiscal discipline. Allegations of tender fraud deeply concern me. To this end, my office remains open to anyone with evidence so that this matter may be probed further.'
DA spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, stated that they will submit a formal briefing document to Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube — the custodian of the NSNP at a national level — urging her to intervene decisively. Their recommendations will include transferring future KZN NSNP grant disbursement responsibilities from the province's Department of Education (DoE) to the provincial Treasury to ensure transparency, clean governance, and uninterrupted service delivery to learners.
'In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province,' Mngadi said.
ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango said: 'The allegations of interference in the tender process for nutrition programmes by the MEC of Education are grave and require immediate attention.'
'As the head of the provincial government, we urge you to take swift and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to know the truth,' he said.
The MK Party stated that the Department of Education is implicated in many irregularities. 'The MK Party demands the immediate suspension of the rotten and illegal tender process and calls for a full, independent investigation. We demand the immediate resignation of Hlomuka.'
Cosatu provincial leader Edwin Mkhize said: 'We are on the side of the people. If people say something is amiss, that is something that must be looked at to ensure that everything done was above board.'
The ANC also noted the allegations made against its members involved in the NSNP programme and stated that it understood the process was at the appeal stage, where those who made bids could lodge appeals. The ANC called for that process to be allowed to unfold.
Meanwhile, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under fire, as she has been accused of getting a radio DJ fired. Premier Ntuli said he had also written to her and asked for a comprehensive report on the matter.
The matter relates to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who was a DJ on radio station Vuma FM. On Sunday, she said in a media statement that she had received a letter last Tuesday stating that her employment was being terminated. She joined Vuma FM back in 2019.
Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the March and March movement which has held protests objecting to undocumented foreign nationals accessing healthcare and other services. According to IOL, it was suggested on social media that the KZN Health department had been behind her dismissal, but the department denied this.
'We categorically state that the Department has no authority, influence, or interest in the employment matters of any media house or entity outside of our jurisdiction. Any suggestion of our involvement in the termination of the presenter is entirely false and without merit. We respect the autonomy of all independent organisations, including Vuma FM, in making their internal staffing decisions,' the department said.
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