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IOL News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for investigation into KZN MEC Sipho Hlomuka amid school nutrition programme allegations
Under fire education MEC Sipho Hlomuka Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Pressure is mounting on the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, amid growing calls for an investigation into allegations that he interfered in the awarding of contracts for the school nutrition programme. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said he had written to Hlomuka and asked for a comprehensive report 'detailing all relevant facts, context, and any recent developments pertaining to the allegations.' 'As the head of a government founded on the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance, I am duty-bound to respond promptly and decisively,' Ntuli said. ActionSA and MK Party have both voiced their concern about the serious allegations of irregularities and corruption, while labour union federation Cosatu has stated that the department must come out clearly and explain how the tenders have been awarded. The allocation of tenders for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which will provide meals to schools in the coming year, has come under scrutiny amid allegations by an association of service providers that contracts were awarded to individuals with political connections. Finance MEC Francois Rodgers stated that he has received multiple media queries regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the NSNP. 'I have noted media reports indicating that an association of NSNP service providers plans to report allegations of tender fraud to my office for investigation. However, I have not received any formal representations on this matter at this stage.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'It is my responsibility as KZN Finance MEC to ensure fiscal discipline. Allegations of tender fraud deeply concern me. To this end, my office remains open to anyone with evidence so that this matter may be probed further.' DA spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, stated that they will submit a formal briefing document to Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube — the custodian of the NSNP at a national level — urging her to intervene decisively. Their recommendations will include transferring future KZN NSNP grant disbursement responsibilities from the province's Department of Education (DoE) to the provincial Treasury to ensure transparency, clean governance, and uninterrupted service delivery to learners. 'In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province,' Mngadi said. ActionSA provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango said: 'The allegations of interference in the tender process for nutrition programmes by the MEC of Education are grave and require immediate attention.' 'As the head of the provincial government, we urge you to take swift and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to know the truth,' he said. The MK Party stated that the Department of Education is implicated in many irregularities. 'The MK Party demands the immediate suspension of the rotten and illegal tender process and calls for a full, independent investigation. We demand the immediate resignation of Hlomuka.' Cosatu provincial leader Edwin Mkhize said: 'We are on the side of the people. If people say something is amiss, that is something that must be looked at to ensure that everything done was above board.' The ANC also noted the allegations made against its members involved in the NSNP programme and stated that it understood the process was at the appeal stage, where those who made bids could lodge appeals. The ANC called for that process to be allowed to unfold. Meanwhile, Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is also under fire, as she has been accused of getting a radio DJ fired. Premier Ntuli said he had also written to her and asked for a comprehensive report on the matter. The matter relates to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who was a DJ on radio station Vuma FM. On Sunday, she said in a media statement that she had received a letter last Tuesday stating that her employment was being terminated. She joined Vuma FM back in 2019. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the March and March movement which has held protests objecting to undocumented foreign nationals accessing healthcare and other services. According to IOL, it was suggested on social media that the KZN Health department had been behind her dismissal, but the department denied this. 'We categorically state that the Department has no authority, influence, or interest in the employment matters of any media house or entity outside of our jurisdiction. Any suggestion of our involvement in the termination of the presenter is entirely false and without merit. We respect the autonomy of all independent organisations, including Vuma FM, in making their internal staffing decisions,' the department said. THE MERCURY
The South African
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
'I don't know Mr Molefe': Gayton claps back at viral pic
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has clapped back at viral images of him and deputy-president Kenny Kunene, alongside a man mistaken to be Katiso Molefe, the Sandton businessman who allegedly ordered a hit on DJ Sumbody, real name Oupa John Sefoka. Earlier this week, Kunene was found at the residence of Molefe, whom police have since arrested. He has denied knowing Molefe personally. On social media, pictures of Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene, and another man – mistakenly believed to be Katiso Molefe have gone viral. Moelefe is accused of allegedly ordering the hit on DJ Sumbody, who died in a hail of bullets in 2022. The images have been widely circulated, and even retweeted by Action SA leader Herman Mashaba. Gayton clapped back on his X account: 'This guy in the picture is not Molefe, not you of all people, don't fall for media nonsense.' In another X post, he shared: 'This guy in the picture is Dan Bhuga. You guys are desperate beyond. I don't know Molefe and never met him'. In a third, Gayton McKenzie accused the DA of being behind the misinformation. 'The DA was delivering fake pictures of me with a murder suspect to every house, but our people know that we would not lie to them. The WC is no longer a given for the DA, salute', he posted. Gayton McKenzie has come to Kenny Kunene's defense. Inmage via Instagram @kenny_kunene/@gaytonmck Like Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene has also denied personally knowing Katiso Molefe. During an interview with eNCA, the outspoken Patriotic Alliance deputy-president claims he met Molefe once before being caught at his upmarket Sandton home this week. 'I have never been there before, I have no relationship with Mr Molefe. I don't have his cell number. The police established that. According to Kunene – he had accompanied a journalist to Molefe's house – and was at the 'wrong place at the wrong time, for the right reasons'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Health
- IOL News
Investigations demanded against KZN MECs amid corruption claims
THE MEC of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka whose department is embroiled in allegations of tender irregularities regarding the school nutrition programme THE MEC of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, has distanced herself from allegations that she had a hand in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. TRIBUNE REPORTER ACTIONSA has written to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, urging him to investigate Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on various allegations levelled against them. The DA has also joined the fray and asked the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gqurube to take over the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The party also welcomed the commitment by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, to initiate a preliminary investigation following serious allegations of corruption implicating Hlomuka and several ANC-linked figures within the administration of the NSNP. Simelane is facing allegations of abuse of power and interfering in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's contract. The allegations surfaced earlier this week, and KZN Health was swift in quelling the rumours, issuing a statement after hours on Monday distancing the MEC from the allegations, adding that as a woman she would never do such a thing against another woman. Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the anti-illegal immigration movement, March and March, which has had a few brushes with the health department over the members of the movement blocking undocumented immigrants from accessing public healthcare facilities. ActionSA leader in KZN, Zwakele Mncwango, said the premier shouldn't hide behind the deals of the government of provincial unity (GPU) to drag his feet at launching an investigation against the MECs. Hlomuka is embroiled in the school nutrition tender of his department, with his wife's company being one of the chosen bidders to supply food at various schools. "We are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the serious allegations of irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power within the Department of Health and Education. These allegations undermine the public's trust in the provincial department and its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency," reads ActionSA's letter. "Specifically the allegations against the MEC of Health regarding the abuse of power in relation to Vuma FM and the presenter Jacinta Ngobese, as well as the allegations of interference in the tender process for the nutrition programme by the MEC of Education, are grave and require immediate attention. "It is particularly concerning that you have remained silent on these matters, despite your previous rhetoric on issues such as illegal immigration. Notably, Jacinta Ngobese has been a vocal advocate against illegal immigration, and it is alarming that she is allegedly being victimised for her stance. Your silence on this matter raises questions about your commitment to protecting those who speak out against issues you have publicly condemned." Vuma FM issued a statement yesterday denying the Health MEC's involvement in the termination of Ngobese-Zuma's contract; however, just last month the station unveiled its new lineup with her still being the presenter of the midmorning show, The Cruise. The allegation was that Simelane had threatened to pull out all Department of Health advertising from the station, and she would also encourage other departments to do the same if Ngobese-Zuma was not removed. Yesterday, the Health MEC was on Ukhozi FM and clarified that the March and March movement, like every person, has a right to protest; however, every person in South Africa has a right to access health services if they are sick. She said her department can't turn away sick people from their facilities regardless of their immigration status, as it would open floodgates of legal action against the department. Simelane explained their conundrum as the department on undocumented immigrants citing the example of turning away a TB patient and the ripple effect it would have on them travelling by taxis and infecting other passengers who in turn infect others. She said there are discussions underway at the national level on a plan to have the immigrants' countries of origin help South Africa fund their healthcare. The DA's spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, who's also a member of the provincial legislature, said, "In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province." And businesses that operate under the NSNP have also complained about irregularities and favouritism in the bidding process. The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, said, "The process is underway and has not been finalised for anyone to cry foul." He said they have no knowledge of these allegations, and those bidders who feel aggrieved know the relevant platform where to report their allegations. The programme has always had challenges like budget constraints and payment delays to service providers. Yesterday the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, in a statement, welcomed Vuma FM's clarification on Ngobese-Zuma's contract and said this should put to bed the unfounded allegations against Simelane. On the issue of the nutrition tender, the ANC said, "The ANC understands that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner."
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
SAHRC's 'pro-foreigner stance' comes under fire from ActionSA's Mashaba
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has slammed the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing it of protecting the rights of foreigners. Mashaba was speaking in Durban ahead of his party's legal showdown with the eThekwini municipality at the Pietermaritzburg high court on Thursday. He was accompanied by the party's national chairperson Michael Beaumont and provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango on inspections of failed sewer infrastructure sites across the municipality. 'I am asking myself, when does this chapter 9 institution protect the rights of South Africans? The only time is when foreigners enter the country illegally,' said Mashaba. Mashaba's comments came amid national attempts to prevent foreigners from being admitted and treated at government health-care facilities from the end of June. The SAHRC said such practices are unethical and unlawful, and urged health and police authorities to act.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Wetland squatters remain after eviction in Wolwespruit area
Tshwane continues to face challenges relocating illegal settlers from the environmentally sensitive Wolwespruit wetland in Pretoria. The remnants of the Wolwespruit informal settlement yesterday. Occupants were evicted on 13 July. Picture: Michel Bega Residents expected the removal of more than 300 illegal informal settlers from the Wolwespruit wetland in the east of Pretoria earlier this month would end their two decade-long troubles. But ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch confirmed that about 30 informal settlers stayed behind and started erecting structures at Wolwespruit wetland, from where the others had been removed. Lesch said that out of the 30 settlers, about 22 were living along Solomon Mahlangu Street and the rest were in Nossob Street. Settlers stayed behind, started erecting structures at Wolwespruit wetland 'They started building structures, but the metro police removed them on Monday and was ordered to resolve the matter,' he said. ActionSA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Henriette Frohlich commended the commitment of the City of Tshwane to resolve this long-standing environmental crisis and for identifying permanent stands above the flood line and restoring the dignity of the Wolwespruit illegal squatters. 'It was never classified as an informal settlement and was thus not included on the Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme. ALSO READ: Pretoria residents relieved as Wolwespruit informal settlement is relocated 'By the time eviction notices were issued in November 2021, about 192 households were recorded, of which 110 were South African, 67 Basotho and 15 Zimbabwean,' she said. Frohlich said in July 2022, the city started to act on a court application to demolish the shacks and relocate the occupiers to Orchards Extension 10, but the illegal settlers refused to be moved. Dennis Manyisa was removed from the Wolwespruit informal settlement, in the east of Pretoria, yesterday. Picture: Michel Bega 'The city then requested the court grant an urgent eviction order to evict/relocate the occupiers, but the urgent eviction application was dismissed with costs due to lack of urgency. New court application to evict occupiers 'The new eviction application was then placed on a normal court roll and voluntary relocation forms were distributed to the illegal squatters for submission. 'Only 70 South Africans were verified, most of whom have now been relocated to Pienaarspoort,' she added. Wingate Park resident Allison Hayward said the community surrounding the Wolwespruit informal settlement at Solomon Mahlangu and Delmas Streets has long advocated for its removal due to concerns about its location on a protected wetland, noise, smoke, waste dumping and illegal activities. ALSO READ: JMPD clears illegal settlers after long community push in Fourways 'After years of persistent effort from community members, community policing forum groups and city officials, the eviction and resettlement of the Wolwespruit informal settlement has finally occurred. 'While the removal is a welcome development, there are ongoing concerns regarding the resettlement process,' she said. Hayward said that after the recent relocation, approximately 30 additional South African citizens, who were not accounted for in the original plans, were displaced and are now camping on pavements in the surrounding area (Delmas, Solomon Mahlangu and Nossob streets). Relocated camping on pavements Evictees' belongings stacked along Nossob Street after evictions at Wolwespruit informal settlement. Picture: Michel Bega 'This led to new issues such as makeshift shacks, open fires and sanitation problems, posing risks to both the displaced individuals and the wider community.' Hayward said the community believes the human settlements department should take responsibility for this oversight and ensure these individuals are properly relocated to Pienaarspoort, as initially planned for other South African residents. 'There appears to be internal departmental disagreement within the City of Tshwane regarding who is responsible for these displaced citizens,' she said. ALSO READ: KZN MEC says it's 'unfortunate' that relocated families return to live on cemetery graves AfriForum's northern region head of safety Llewellynn Hemmens has called on the city to act on other hotspots in Pretoria. 'The occupation of this area has caused serious problems such as an increase in crime, cable theft and pollution, which has been exacerbated by illegal recycling and dumping. This has damaged the environment almost beyond repair. 'There are many similar examples where the city's inaction has led to serious socioeconomic and environmental challenges, such as in the case of the Plastic View settlement behind Moreleta Church in De Villebois Mareuil Drive. Metro's failure to act 'This settlement began as temporary housing for illegal squatters and has expanded into a huge informal settlement due to the metro's failure to act,' he added. Hemmens said that although the city previously got an eviction order to move Plastic View settlers to a new site, they refused to move.
