KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is facing serious allegations of interfering in tender allocations for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), a critical initiative providing daily meals to 2.7 million learners in the province. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), ActionSA, and the MK Party, are calling for a full investigation, with the DA pushing for the provincial Treasury to take over financial management of the programme.
Allegations of Tender Irregularities
The controversy erupted after leaked documents revealed that a company linked to Hlomuka was allegedly set to receive an NSNP tender. Hlomuka admitted to registering the company in 2015 but claimed he had since distanced himself from it. However, DA KZN spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi presented evidence showing the company had previously secured government contracts in 2017 while Hlomuka was still listed as its director.
Mngadi argued that the MEC’s ties to the company raise ethical concerns and possible violations of procurement regulations. “This calls into question the entire bid adjudication process and suggests rampant corruption,” he said.
Calls for Intervention
The DA has urged the national government to intervene, proposing that the provincial Treasury oversee NSNP funds instead of the Education Department. Mngadi emphasized the programme’s importance, noting that for many children, the meals provided are their only daily sustenance. “Yet, we’ve seen inefficiencies, food shortages, and substandard deliveries,” he said.
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has given Hlomuka until Monday to submit a formal explanation. Meanwhile, the provincial Treasury is conducting a preliminary investigation.
Political Fallout
The scandal has intensified scrutiny on governance in KZN, with opposition parties demanding accountability. Mngadi warned that if the allegations are proven, the DA will push for Hlomuka’s removal. “There’s no ethical justification for an MEC’s linked company benefiting from his department’s tenders,” he stated.
As pressure mounts, the outcome of the investigations could have significant implications for both the NSNP’s stability and the political future of Hlomuka, a senior ANC figure in the province.
