I was unaware of Housing Act, admits former MEC Mosebenzi Zwane
Former Free State MEC of Corporate Government and Human Settlements Mosebenzi Zwane has admitted to the commission of inquiry into state capture that he approved an unlawful tender process in 2010.
At the time, the province had embarked on a R1 billion housing project.
But the department decided to deviate from the normal open tender process and compiled a database of contractors instead.
Zwane, who is also a former minister of mineral resources, said the provincial government. led by then premier Ace Magashule, was aware of the deviation but failed to act.
"I did ask why we were not following the open tender system. I went further to ask according to which law? And I was given a response that it was according to the Housing Act. I did not have a reason not to believe people who were interviewed and appointed to ensure the laws governing the process of procurement are followed."
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He also admitted that he was not aware that the Housing Act existed – more than a year after his appointment.
The commission’s chair, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo: "It is a concern for me that there would be a Housing Act which applies in the provinces as well, that the MEC for Human Settlements does not know about a year into his job."
Zwane: “I based my attention on the constitution and the PFMA. All I did with the best of my ability was to ensure the PFMA was followed. If that was not enough, I need to hear this from the commission.”
He also said he did not know how many houses were built during the project.
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