KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has ordered two provincial MECs to submit detailed reports following serious allegations of tender irregularities, political interference, and corruption within their departments.
Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane are under scrutiny over claims that they manipulated tender processes to benefit allies and family-linked companies.
Allegations of Tender Fraud and Political Influence
Hlomuka is accused of rigging the bidding process for the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), allegedly favoring a company he is affiliated with. The programme, which provides meals to schoolchildren, has faced numerous challenges since 2023, including late payments to service providers and food delivery issues.
Meanwhile, Simelane has been accused of using her political position to influence funding for a company connected to her family. In response, she dismissed the allegations as “false and malicious,” stating that the company was established by her parents in 1996 and that she resigned from it in 2004.
Premier Takes Action
Premier Ntuli has given the two MECs until Monday to submit comprehensive reports on the allegations. While he has not yet indicated what action will be taken, he emphasized the need for further investigation.
“It’s not easy to suggest what action we will take because we are not certain of the information we will receive,” Ntuli said. “But I assure you, there is a need to investigate further the processes followed during the nutrition tender.”
Departments Defend Transparency
The KZN Education Department has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the MEC has responded to the premier’s letter and that the tender process for the NSNP—set to begin in April 2025—has not yet been finalized.
“We can confirm that the MEC has received the letter from the premier and has dealt with it accordingly,” said department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi. “We appeal to the public to give the premier and the MEC space to process the responses.”
Mahlambi also assured that the school feeding scheme remains unaffected by the allegations.
Growing Pressure for Accountability
The allegations have sparked public concern over governance and corruption in KZN’s key service delivery programmes. With the premier vowing to act if necessary, the coming days will determine whether Hlomuka and Simelane face further consequences.
As investigations continue, opposition parties and civil society groups are calling for swift action to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the provincial government.
