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KwaZulu Natal MEC Siboniso Duma promises to clear R1. 5 billion payment backlog affecting service providers

KwaZulu Natal MEC Siboniso Duma promises to clear R1. 5 billion payment backlog affecting service providers

IOL News16-05-2025
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma apologises to affected contractors, confirms R600 million payout this week, and promises a turnaround plan amid technical issues with the new accounting system.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has expressed deep concern over the delay in payments to more than 2,000 service providers, amounting to over R1.5 billion.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the department remains committed to transparency and accountability and is working urgently to resolve the situation.
'In particular, we are extremely worried about the delays in the payment of service providers who are rendering services to the department across all corners of the province,' Duma said.
The department revealed that R600 million is expected to be cleared this week, with the remaining R700 million scheduled for payment over the next two weeks.
Many of the affected service providers have reportedly been waiting for payment since January 2025. These include: Construction companies working on roads and bridges, public transport service providers and other general suppliers.
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