KZN MECs in Hot Seat: Simelane and Hlomuka submit responses in misconduct inquiry
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, has formally received written representations from the MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, and the MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka.
These submissions were requested as part of an internal process aimed at addressing serious matters raised against both Members of the Executive Council.
IOL previously reported that Hlomuka is accused of interfering in the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme tender process, allegedly involving a company he once helped establish. Although he has denied any current ties to the company, concerns have still been raised.
Simelane, meanwhile, faces claims related to alleged improper benefit to a family business and suggestions that she influenced the dismissal of former Vuma radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, allegations she has denied.
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli (left) with Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, who together with Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane provided representations explaining allegations of misconduct they are facing. Image: Supplied Kwazulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says he will not hesitate to take drastic measures, including reshuffling his cabinet, should he find reliable evidence against his two MECs, Nomagugu Simelane and Sipho Hlomuka, who are accused of misconduct. Simelane, who is in charge of Health, and Education's Hlomuka have been in the news headlines over the past weeks for the wrong reasons. They both submitted comprehensive representations to give their side of the story on the allegations to the premier on Friday. Talking to the media during the opening of two state-of-the-art schools in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, immediately after receiving presentations, Ntuli said his office was still studying the MECs' submissions and will apprise the public at a later stage. 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'It is important that we test the allegations and satisfy ourselves that indeed there is a reason to take a particular action. 'Hence, for now, I am happy that they responded, and I am happy that we are busy considering the reports, and we will inform the public of the discovery from the report. 'But for now, I cannot say that there is any reason for me to take action against any MEC,' Ntuli said. In his press statement issued on Wednesday, Hlomuka said the NSNP tender was awarded following due process, which involved advertising and accepting bidding applications. Media reports alleged that Hlomuka interfered with the tender processes to benefit his allies in the ANC, and it was also alleged that a company linked to him and registered in 2015 benefited from his department's tender. He said approximately 20,000 bidders received 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. He said the department was currently dealing with appeals from bidders who were unhappy about the issuing of the school nutrition tender. '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 illegitimising the entire process. 'The department, however, takes solace from the understanding that the current stage, which is the appeals process, bidders will be afforded an opportunity to raise issues,' he said. Simelane described the allegations against her as a misinformation campaign against her and her family. 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'My duty as MEC is not to discriminate against those in need, or to choose who should be allowed healthcare – it is to uphold the Constitution. 'I agree that illegal immigration is a problem in our country, but we cannot turn away human beings in need of medical treatment, [and] I will always fight for a healthcare system that is just, fair, and accessible. 'And while peaceful protest is allowed, blocking access to hospitals is not,' said Simelane.
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2 days ago
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KZN MECs in Hot Seat: Simelane and Hlomuka submit responses in misconduct inquiry
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli is carefully reviewing written responses from MECs Nomagugu Simelane and Sipho Hlomuka regarding serious allegations KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, has formally received written representations from the MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, and the MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka. These submissions were requested as part of an internal process aimed at addressing serious matters raised against both Members of the Executive Council. IOL previously reported that Hlomuka is accused of interfering in the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme tender process, allegedly involving a company he once helped establish. Although he has denied any current ties to the company, concerns have still been raised. Simelane, meanwhile, faces claims related to alleged improper benefit to a family business and suggestions that she influenced the dismissal of former Vuma radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, allegations she has denied.
