The IFP has called for an immediate publication of the damning forensic audit report into corruption at Ezemvelo Wildlife which has led to the suspension of its board by KwaZulu Natal MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Mtholephi Mthimkhulu. 

"The ANC-led KwaZulu Natal provincial government has an elaborate history of withholding forensic audit reports into mismanagement of state institutions and public entities from the parliamentary and public scrutiny. The forensic report into corruption at Ezemvelo is merely the latest instance," said Leader of the Official Opposition Dr Lionel Mtshali.  

The IFP has previously decried the stalling tactics employed by the ruling party in tabling of the forensic audit report into R125-million worth of mismanagement, fraud and corruption in the provincial Department of Agriculture. 

"The ANC has effectively shielded its own appointees, such as former Head of Department of Agriculture Dr Jabulani Mjwara, from prosecution.

In addition, by creating a legal vacuum around such individuals, it has allowed them to pursue further controversy in other spheres of government," said Dr Mtshali. 

The IFP has noted with concern that Dr Mjwara, having technically avoided prosecution at Agriculture by resigning, has recently benefited from a number of lucrative tenders at Pietermaritzburg's ANC-controlled Msunduzi Municipality.  

The IFP has been incensed by the Department's procrastination and secrecy in dealing with the latest Ezemvelo Wildlife scandal. 

"The MEC for Agriculture is clearly unconcerned about protecting, first and foremost, the taxpayers' money in the corruption scandal that involves as many as 47 employees at Ezemvelo, including some of its board members," said Dr Mtshali. 
 

Contact:
Dr Lionel Mtshali
083 256 4902