'A dynasty driven by corruption', the MK Party demands resignation of KZN MECs
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 described as serious and deeply troubling revelations of corruption, abuse of power, and political patronage.
The party has given both MECs until Saturday 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 refused to address Simelane and Hlomuka as "Honourable", saying the title "is meant to uphold integrity, not be inherited and stained through corruption".
The party claimed 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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
21 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
KZN premier considering responses from health and education MECs over fraud and corruption allegations
She is also alleged to have interfered with media freedom by pressing for the dismissal of a radio presenter critical of undocumented migrants accessing state health care. Hlomuka is faced with allegations of political interference and personal enrichment in the controversial R2.9bn national schools nutrition programme tender scandal. He is alleged to have interfered with the tender processes to benefit his allies in the ANC and 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. The two officials have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they had severed ties with the companies long before the dealings and the positions they've had in government had no influence in procurement processes. Simelane said she resigned from her family business in 2004, which was four years before it received the Ithala loan. At the time, she was a junior official in government with no influence on Ithala's funding decisions. She said funding to her family business predated her tenure as committee chair. Hlomuka acknowledged the implicated company was registered by him when he was not part of government and claimed he had relinquished his stake well before taking office and he is not aware of its activities. Opposition parties in the legislature, the MK Party and the EFF, called on Ntuli to remove the two MECs from the provincial cabinet. The two parties repeated the calls during budget speech presentations by Simelane and Hlomuka on Tuesday, going as far as stating the ANC should apply its 'step-aside' rule until they are cleared. The premier's office said the two submissions are undergoing careful review and the process would adhere to the constitutional principles of fairness and administrative justice. Ntuli's spokesperson Bongani Gina said: 'The premier has reiterated his commitment to handling the matter with the utmost integrity, transparency and accountability. Further communication will be issued on conclusion of the review process as the premier's undertaking to transparency and good governance.'
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
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.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
MK Party slams Umzinyathi municipality for asking jobseekers about political affiliation
MK Party slams Umzinyathi municipality for asking jobseekers about political affiliation The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) has criticised the Umzinyathi District Municipality for allegedly breaching constitutional and labour laws by including a question about political party affiliation in its official job application forms. MKP Inkosi Bhambatha Regional Detachment spokesperson, Innocent Shabangu, described the practice as unlawful and discriminatory. 'This is a blatant breach of the Constitution and employment legislation,' said Shabangu. He said the question violated: Section 9(3) of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on political grounds, Section 6(1) of the Employment Equity Act, and Section 67(1)(a) of the Municipal Systems Act, which requires fair and merit-based appointments. Shabangu warned that such practices could entrench political patronage and discourage capable individuals from applying for municipal jobs. The MKP has called for: The immediate removal of the question from application forms, A full investigation into recent appointments, and Action to ensure hiring processes remain impartial. The Umzinyathi District Municipality did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication. The municipality, which has been under provincial intervention since 2016, reported more than R1.7 billion in irregular, unauthorised and fruitless expenditure during the last financial year. Newly elected Mayor T Mchunu recently announced the adoption of a funded budget – a first in years – in a bid to stabilise the institution. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
