The IFP, as the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature, feels vindicated by Proclamation R130 of 2023, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate serious allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Office of the Premier in KZN.
We are shocked but not surprised by the SIU investigation, which is an indictment of the ANC-led KZN Provincial Government. The ANC’s milking of state coffers has become a way of life, and is deeply ingrained since they took over from the IFP government.
Since the tenure of the former KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, who left a trail of destruction, we have been calling for the release of various forensic investigation reports. These reports have been kept under wraps since the tenure of the former KZN Premier, Willies Mchunu, and speak to rampant corruption in the Office of the Premier.
These reports include:
- The report of a forensic investigation launched into how more than R200 million allocated towards drought relief was squandered.
- A forensic report commissioned in 2012, by late former Agriculture MEC Meshack Radebe, after R60 million in taxpayers’ money – meant to assist emerging farmers in rural areas around the province – could not be accounted for. This investigation, which cost R10 million, was completed in February 2014.
- A report into alleged irregularities and corruption in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality in KZN, relating to the renovation of uMzimkhulu Memorial Hall.
In addition, no one has been held accountable for the failed Luwamba Project in Ntambanana.
On numerous occasions, the IFP has shared its concerns over the Office of the Premier, which has become a fertile ground for corruption. We have seen the seizure of immovable properties and several vehicles belonging to the Premier’s CFO, Ziphathe Cibane, and his co-accused. This, after they were alleged to be involved in corruption related to a catering tender amounting to over R20 million.
The SIU investigation comes against the backdrop of the arrest of a compromised senior official in KZN Premier’s Office, who allegedly threatened the Mhlathuze Water Board in order to stop an investigation into financial irregularities.
There must be consequences for incompetence on the part of officials and contractors. The culture of embezzling public funds must stop. All those implicated in corruption must be punished.
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Contact
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP Chief Whip in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842