Limpopo ANC 'waiting for report' on Mpe tender claims
The ANC in Limpopo will wait for a formal report before commenting on allegations of tender irregularities involving senior municipal officials in Polokwane.
Provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe says the ANC doesn’t want to rush into commenting on media reports implicating Mayor John Mpe, who is also the ANC's Peter Mokaba regional chairperson.
Madadzhe addressed the media on Wednesday following an ANC provincial executive committee meeting.
“I’m trying to keep myself very organised and request a report,” said Madadzhe.
“Once I receive a report, I will communicate with members of the media and the public, and our structures about our position with regard to those matters.”
Mpe and Municipal Manager Thuso Nemugumoni are under pressure amid allegations of irregularities involving a R750 million municipal tender.
Reports also allege that some tenders were awarded to companies owned by foreign nationals, including a R56 million contract allegedly awarded to a company owned by Nemugumoni’s Zimbabwean boyfriend.
“As an organisation, we can’t give directives with regard to tenders, because tenders are not controlled by the ANC. They are there in government,” said Madadzhe.
“But we know that ANC will prefer that our entities prioritise companies of residents, citizens of the Republic of South Africa. That is our position.
“If it has to do with certain skills that we do have in the republic, then you can go out and invite foreign national companies,” added Madadzhe.
Mpe confirmed reports that foreign national-owned companies do business with the municipality and other government departments.
However, he rejected claims that the companies were awarded tenders through irregular processes or political influence.
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