Latest news with #Hlomuka
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli demands answers from MECs over corruption allegations
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli demands answers from MECs Sipho Hlomuka and Nomagugu Simelane over corruption allegations, vowing swift action once investigations into procurement and contract irregularities are complete. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has demanded written explanations from two of his provincial executive members following serious corruption allegations, and has promised action 'without fear or favour' once he receives their formal responses. Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is accused of interfering in the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme bidding process. Allegations have emerged that a company he helped start in 2017 is involved in the current tender process. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika earlier this week, Hlomuka claimed he had long since distanced himself from the company. Hlomuka denied current involvement with a company linked to the tender, stating: "In 2015, I opened the company, and I've been participating in several government and private services, but currently I don't own any company." "I am no longer part of the company. Hence, I'm not aware of its activities. If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation. Let's wait for the process,'' he said. Ntuli said he had contacted both MECs as soon as he became aware of the claims. 'Indeed, when I received these allegations, I did call to alert them, I would be writing to them so that they give me full information regarding the allegations. Hence, I'm waiting for their response by tomorrow, latest by Monday,' he said. Asked whether he believes Hlomuka, Ntuli said the investigation would determine whether any laws were broken in the procurement process. "There are two things: whether the process itself was conducted with integrity or whether there were violations of the laws that regulate the process. Then if it did not, the problem starts," Ntuli said. 'The process will even in fact, point to who has to be held accountable for what might have happened.' Ntuli insisted his office would not shy away from taking decisive action. 'I will take appropriate actions. As soon as I receive the reports, that will inform me what exactly to do. I'm not afraid to take a step because the allegations are serious,' he told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under scrutiny over claims that her family business may have benefited improperly from government contracts. Ntuli confirmed he requested a formal explanation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'The only matter that I requested the MEC to provide information about was the one that links her family to benefiting from the provincial government,' he said. Asked about a separate claim involving Simelane allegedly influencing the dismissal of a radio Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Ntuli said he was only aware of it through 'corridor information' and had received no formal complaint. Ntuli added that Simelane denied any involvement. 'There is no one who complained about that issue. That radio personality never complained, and the radio station never submitted anything to that effect.' Ntuli said he would update the public next week. 'Before the end of next week, I will apprise the public of the appropriate action.' 'There is no space for any wrongdoing in our government. Any acts of maladministration, corruption will always find consequences.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MK Party demands resignation of KZN MECs, slams 'Dynasty Driven by Corruption'
Hope Ntanzi | Published 1 day ago 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 describes as serious and deeply troubling revelations of corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage. The party has given both MECs until July 26, 2025, 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 refuses to address Simelane and Hlomuka as "Honourable", saying the title "is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption". The party claims 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. According to the party, these financial benefits continued even after her appointment as Health MEC, while public healthcare services deteriorated and hospitals reportedly ran short of medication. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: 'This is not governance. This is nothing else but a dynasty driven by corruption.' The party also accuses Hlomuka of presiding over a compromised Department of Education, citing allegations of political interference in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), tender rigging, and procurement manipulation. A leaked list of service providers, allegedly handpicked and linked to Hlomuka, has emerged, pointing to what the party describes as an unlawful network of political patronage. The improper appointment of the Department of Education's CFO, the party says, further reveals deep systemic rot under Hlomuka's leadership. Ndhlela added: 'The MK Party's caucus in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature rightfully refuse to address Sipho Hlomuka and Nomagugu Simelane as 'Honourable', when this title is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption.' The MK Party is demanding the immediate suspension of what it calls a "rotten and illegal tender process" and has called for a full, independent investigation. It is also calling on the President to issue a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the matter, and for the Auditor-General, the Public Protector, and the Hawks to urgently investigate all public funds received by Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC and any other entities linked to the implicated individuals. 'Our country is not, and will never be, a feeding trough for ANC-linked elites. The people of South Africa have suffered enough and will no longer fund political dynasties while their children starve and services collapse. "We, the MK Party, will not stand idly by while corruption wears the mask of leadership. This is a fight for truth, dignity and the future of our people," said Ndhlela. When approached for comment, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health told IOL: 'Please direct your queries to the ANC. She occupies her current position through ANC deployment, not through the Department of Health.' Attempts to obtain a response from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson were unsuccessful, while the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson indicated that a response would be provided in due course. The ANC's response will be included once it has been received. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka denies involvement in NSNP tender irregularities
KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says complaints about the NSNP tender are being handled by relevant authorities and that the law will take its course if any wrongdoing is found. Image: Supplied 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 by the Democratic Alliance in the province. This follows allegations from the NSNP that the R2.9-billion tender process was manipulated for political gain. In an interview with 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.' Addressing direct allegations that he registered a company involved in SNP tenders, Hlomuka clarified, "In 2015, I opened the company and I've been participating in several government and private services, but currently I don't own any company." He denied any current involvement, saying, "I am no longer part of the company. Hence, I'm not aware of its activities. If it has received any tenders, that information will come out in the investigation,'' he said. He denied any current involvement with the tender and stated he had not received any official report linking him to irregularities. When asked about calls for his resignation by the MK party by July 26, Hlomuka said, 'I was appointed by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal. If there's a need to resign for whatever reason, we'll wait for that advice from the premier who appointed me.' Hlomuka highlighted that as MEC, he does not manage the tender processes directly and that any complaints must follow official channels. 'We are told that the process is at the appeal stage, and those who feel unfairly treated must lodge their appeals. The MEC for finance has already indicated he is waiting for those appeals.' He urged patience as investigations continue, saying, 'Let's wait for the process, the investigation will tell us if that company has been awarded before or not.' In response to the allegations surrounding the NSNP tender process and related issues, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal expressed concern about the widespread accusations circulating on social media platforms against its members. ANC KZN spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said, 'The ANC has noted with concern the widespread allegations of wrongdoing circulating on various social media platforms, levelled against its deployees.' Regarding the specific allegations of corruption against Hlomuka and Thanduxolo Sabelo, Sibisi said, 'We understand that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner.' He urged patience and trust in due process: 'We call on the concerned role-players and the general public to allow this process to run its course.' On allegations involving Councillor Lungile Mthembu of Mandeni Local Municipality alleged to have solicited a bribe, Sibisi confirmed, 'The ANC has instructed the leadership of the General Gizenga Region to institute an investigation into this allegation and to bring a report to the provincial office of the ANC for further processing.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, Sibisi cautioned against what he described as a broader campaign to undermine the ANC's integrity. 'There seems to be a concerted campaign to impugn the integrity of the ANC and its leaders. This campaign, advanced by faceless individuals, not only defames these comrades but has the potential to cause instability.' He highlighted previous examples, stating, 'The case of the non-renewal of Ms Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract is a practical example of how the names of both the concerned ANC leader and the ANC itself can be dragged through the mud based on baseless allegations.' 'The ANC firmly opposes any acts of criminality, especially when they involve public finances. However, we believe that the threshold for damaging someone's character through public allegations is unacceptably low. We must all recognise our responsibility to uphold the principles of our Constitution, which includes respecting individuals' rights to dignity, said ANC KZN Coordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu. 'The ANC remains steadfast in its mission to build a better South Africa where all people, regardless of background or affiliation, are treated with dignity. We urge members of the media, the public, and social commentators to act responsibly, verify facts, and resist being drawn into campaigns that seek to sow confusion and division,'' said Sibisi. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MK Party demands resignation of KZN MECs, slams 'Dynasty Driven by Corruption'
The MK Party calls for KZN MECs Nomagugu Simelane and Sipho Hlomuka to resign, citing serious corruption allegations, misuse of public funds, and political patronage undermining healthcare and education services in the province. Image: File 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 describes as serious and deeply troubling revelations of corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage. The party has given both MECs until July 26, 2025, 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 refuses to address Simelane and Hlomuka as "Honourable", saying the title "is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption". The party claims 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. According to the party, these financial benefits continued even after her appointment as Health MEC, while public healthcare services deteriorated and hospitals reportedly ran short of medication. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: 'This is not governance. This is nothing else but a dynasty driven by corruption.' The party also accuses Hlomuka of presiding over a compromised Department of Education, citing allegations of political interference in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), tender rigging, and procurement manipulation. A leaked list of service providers, allegedly handpicked and linked to Hlomuka, has emerged, pointing to what the party describes as an unlawful network of political patronage. The improper appointment of the Department of Education's CFO, the party says, further reveals deep systemic rot under Hlomuka's leadership. Ndhlela added: 'The MK Party's caucus in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature rightfully refuse to address Sipho Hlomuka and Nomagugu Simelane as 'Honourable', when this title is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption.' The MK Party is demanding the immediate suspension of what it calls a "rotten and illegal tender process" and has called for a full, independent investigation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It is also calling on the President to issue a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the matter, and for the Auditor-General, the Public Protector, and the Hawks to urgently investigate all public funds received by Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC and any other entities linked to the implicated individuals. 'Our country is not, and will never be, a feeding trough for ANC-linked elites. The people of South Africa have suffered enough and will no longer fund political dynasties while their children starve and services collapse. "We, the MK Party, will not stand idly by while corruption wears the mask of leadership. This is a fight for truth, dignity and the future of our people," said Ndhlela. When approached for comment, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health told IOL: 'Please direct your queries to the ANC. She occupies her current position through ANC deployment, not through the Department of Health.' Attempts to obtain a response from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson were unsuccessful, while the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson indicated that a response would be provided in due course. The ANC's response will be included once it has been received. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- The Citizen
Department says allegations against principal were investigated
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education (DoE) has said that two independent investigations surrounding allegations involving the Westville Senior Primary School principal were conducted. The DoE addressed the issue after some angry parents gathered outside the school on Friday morning in protest, demanding answers after the principal resumed his duties following a suspension. In a statement issued on Saturday (24 May), the DoE said it sought to clarify misconceptions that it had not taken any action after concerns were raised by the Educators' Support Group (ESGP) and submissions were made by the school's educators. 'These processes were undertaken in accordance with departmental procedures to ensure fairness and objectivity,' reads the DoE's statement. The DoE clarified that the principal had been placed under precautionary suspension as part of protocol while the investigations were underway and that, after the completion of the review process, the principal returned to work. Also read: Watch: Westville parents protest against principal 'The department remains committed to upholding due process while ensuring that every concern raised is treated with respect to the rule of law and the seriousness it deserves,' reads the DoE's statement. In the statement, KZN MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, assured parents that the department takes all allegations seriously, in particular those that affect the well-being of learners and educators. 'The department is committed to addressing every matter thoroughly, without fear or favour. We encourage anyone with further credible information to come forward. Our responsibility is to ensure that every school operates in an environment of safety, accountability, and integrity,' said Hlomuka. The department said it will continue to monitor the situation at the primary school and remains open to re-evaluating the matter should new developments arise. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
