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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
KZN Education Department defends tender process for National School Nutrition Programme
DA KZN demands urgent intervention from Minister Gwarube over alleged corruption in the school nutrition programme, calling for accountability and protection of learners' right to food. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has sought to defend the process followed to award tenders for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), stating that the process was above board. In a statement, the department addressed allegations raised on social media platforms and some mainstream media organisations alleging that irregularities were involved in the manner in which the NSNP tender was processed. The MEC for the department, Sipho Hlomuka, has come under fire amid allegations that some of those awarded tenders had close links to him or to the ANC. There have been growing calls for the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, to intervene in the matter. He recently stated that he had asked for a report on the issue from the MEC. The department confirmed that it had received written questions from the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Ntuli and said it would respond accordingly. 'From the outset, it is important that we place on record the fact that the process has been conducted in line with all the procurement processes and relevant prescripts.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The department stated that the process undertaken had various stages, which included the advertising of the tender, after which every eligible South African was at liberty to apply. It said after the advertisement of the bid, all bidders were invited to compulsory briefing sessions in all 12 districts, where they were taken through the requirements of the bid. 'All the bids received, amounting to approximately 20,000, were subjected to the same comprehensive evaluation criteria in line with all the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes. All the bids were subjected to a standard evaluation process as set out in the bid document. It is also important to state categorically that evaluation and adjudication were followed in line with the prescribed procedures,' the statement continued. It added that the department is currently at a stage where it is dealing with appeals or objections. An unfortunate situation regarding this tender is that it attracts thousands of bidders who all have to compete for only 1,756 clusters across the 12 districts. 'We note with disappointment that once some bidders are not recommended for the award, they resort to delegitimising the entire process. The department, however, takes solace from the understanding that at the current stage, which is the appeals process, bidders will be afforded the opportunity to raise issues. While it is within their rights, in terms of the law, to raise their grievances after being unsuccessful, it is unfortunate that some resort to the circulation of misinformation. 'The department wants to place on record that it will respond to all the bidders who would have submitted their objections or appeals to the Bid Appeals Tribunal convened under the auspices of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury,' the statement concluded. THE MERCURY
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Feeding scheme or feeding scam: KZN education department responds to food tender ‘corruption'
The school nutrition Programme in KZN benefits around 2 million learners. As KZN education MEC Sipho Hlomuka waits to hear whether he will be sanctioned by Premier Thami Ntuli, his department has denied allegations of tender corruption. It is alleged that politically connected companies were awarded National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) contracts in an alleged attempt to garner support for his bid to become ANC provincial chairperson. Political parties in the KZN legislature are demanding an investigation into the tender process, and the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, has also requested answers from the province. On Wednesday, the provincial Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, said all correct procedures were followed in the awarding of the contracts. 'From the outset, it is important that we place on record the fact that the process has been done in line with all the procurement processes and relevant prescripts. 'The process undertaken had various stages, which included the advertising of the tender, after which every eligible South African was at liberty to apply. 'It is also very important to indicate that after the advertisement of the bid, all bidders were invited to the compulsory briefing sessions in all 12 Districts, where all the bidders were taken through the requirements of the bid,' Ngcobo said. Twenty thousand bids received for NSNP tender He claimed 20 000 bids were subjected to the same comprehensive evaluation criteria in line with all the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes. 'All the bids were subjected to a standard evaluation process as set out in the bid document. It is also important to state categorically that evaluation and adjudication were followed in line with the prescribed procedures,' he said. ALSO READ: Julius Malema's message to KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi The department will respond to all aggrieved bidders Ngcobo said he is aware that some bidders may not be happy with the outcomes of the bidding process. 'The Department is currently at a stage where it is dealing with the appeals or objections. An unfortunate situation with regard to this tender is that it attracts thousands of bidders who all have to compete for only 1 756 clusters across the 12 Districts. 'We note with disappointment that once some bidders are not recommended for the award, they resort to illegitimasing the entire process,' he said. Ngcobo said the department would respond to Gwarube's interrogation of the tender process. NOW READ: Higher education minster accused of covering up tender irregularities — report
The Star
6 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
The Herald
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
KZN MECs deny public funds abuse amid calls for their heads
'The funding in question relates to a period specifically between 2014 and 2016, when I was not the chair of the committee. I became chair of the portfolio committee after June 2016.' She said she could not have influenced procurement processes due to the separation of powers in government as MPLs, including committee chairs, have no role in supply chain management or operational decisions of the department. 'These facts are easily verifiable, and their deliberate distortion shows that this is not an attempt to inform the public but rather a well-calculated political smear campaign.' Simelane's response follows a statement by provincial education MEC Sipho Hlomuka who was embroiled in similar allegations by the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers' Association and opposition parties. Hlomuka is faced with allegations of political interference and personal enrichment in the controversial R2.9bn NSNP tender scandal. He is alleged to have interfered with the tender processes to benefit his allies in the ANC. He has since been directly linked, after it emerged a company registered to him in 2015 was among the beneficiaries of the tender issued by his department. Hlomuka admitted he registered the company in 2015 when he was not part of government but claimed he relinquished his stake well before taking office and is not aware of its current activities. 'Indeed in 2015 I opened the company and had been participating in a number of government and private services but currently I don't own any company. Let's allow those who are owning the company (to respond) because I don't want to be its spokesperson,' he said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday evening.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations
Under fire education MEC Sipho Hlomuka 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.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ '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. THE MERCURY
