KZN cabinet to decide on release of corruption report

Thami Ngwenya, the head of provincial government communications, said: “The inquiry is complete and has been considered by the premier. The date for making it public will be decided by the Executive Council at the next meeting at which it would be tabled.”

The two-man inquiry, headed by Professor Fikile Ndaki and assisted by Mimie Memka, was set up last year following allegations of mismanagement and corruption levelled against the Dr Sibongile Zungu.

Zungu was appointed department head in 2009 and her contract ended in August 2014. She was then appointed on a monthly basis and was set to be reappointed for a further five years, but KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu did not renew her contract at the end of March.

Accusations

Zungu incurred the wrath of Nehawu when it emerged that she had racked up a R310 662 cellphone bill while she was abroad last April. It also accused her of interfering in procurement processes and the appointment of staff.

News of the premier’s decision not to renew her contract in March emerged shortly after it became publicly known that she had controversially appointed Ndoda Biyela as chief financial officer of the KwaZulu-Natal health department. He had previously been suspended as CFO for the Gauteng health department amid allegations of tender irregularities.

He is still fighting his dismissal in the courts.

Ngwenya said he could not say when the report would be tabled before the provincial cabinet, but the cabinet is set to meet next Wednesday.

 

Author: News24

NewsWire ID: 4462

File photo: Gallo images