'A dynasty driven by corruption', the MK Party demands resignation of KZN MECs
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has called for the immediate resignation of KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, following what it described as serious and deeply troubling revelations of corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage.
The party has given both MECs until Saturday to resign, failing which it will submit a formal removal request to the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce.
In a statement, the MK Party expressed "deep concern and serious disappointment at the troubling revelations recently brought to light" and stated that its caucus in the provincial legislature refused to address Simelane and Hlomuka as "Honourable", saying the title "is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption".
The party claimed that Simelane's family business, Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC, allegedly received duplicated payments totaling R1.42 million from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture.
It further alleged that in 2008, her family controversially acquired a farm through a loan from Ithala Bank, then led by Zweli Mkhize, who also allegedly facilitated an R11.8 million loan for his own wife.
From 2014 to 2019, Simelane chaired the KZN Legislature's Agriculture Portfolio Committee, overseeing the same department accused of funnelling funds to her family.
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