Lesufi ‘shocked’ by R431m spent on deep cleaning, decontamination of schools
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed shock at the millions spent by his department on the decontamination, disinfection and sanitisation of schools in the province.
A Maverick Citizen investigation revealed that between June and August 2020, the Gauteng Department of Education spent more than R431-million on sanitising schools.
The amount was subsequently confirmed in a report compiled by the department’s HOD and CFO.
Maverick Citizen also reported that the money was paid in sundry payments to hundreds of companies, many of which appear to have no expertise or prior involvement in the cleaning industry.
Lesufi says the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement.
“The MEC is at an advanced stage in consulting with relevant law enforcement agencies to take up these investigations including requesting the auditor-general to check and verify if there was value for money used.
“I wish to reaffirm my commitment to leave no stone unturned on this including holding on those who procured these services accountable” says Lesufi.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Gauteng Premier David Makhura to launch an urgent investigation.
“We are calling on Premier Makhura to initiate an urgent investigation to ascertain exactly how much was spent per school and to identify those schools that were also sanitised for free by Bidvest. The investigation should also determine where the money was used as the department denied any expenditure in this regard,” says the party’s Khume Ramulifho.
“Should it be found that there was an element of corruption where companies submitted invoices for no services rendered, the Head of Department must explain. The investigation must ensure that the money should be paid back and those involved face the consequences of their actions.”
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