ZUMA MUST ORDER PROBE INTO GAUTENG TRANSPORT DEPT

A full-scale police investigation is needed into the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department.

The latest Auditor General probe has found shocking irregularities in the award of 13 tenders in this department worth about R1 billion, but this is the mere tip of the iceberg. These tenders were awarded between September and December last year, but what about previous tenders?

The Resolve Group report that was made public a year ago found massive irregularities involving former department head Mr Sibusiso Buthelezi, but he was let off the hook by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, leaving with a R1million payout.

It is absolutely scandalous that she has reneged on her stated intention to send this report to the Presidency so that it could be referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

It has instead been effectively buried in her office.

According to Mokonyane, the Resolve Report recommendations to correct maladministration have been acted on, but this is demonstrably untrue as shown by the latest exposure of corruption by the Auditor General.

The rot in this department is very deep, stretching back many years.

President Jacob Zuma has authorized special investigations into various government departments including the Gauteng Health Department.

He needs to order a probe into the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department as well.

I will send a copy of the Resolve Report to President Zuma to request that the Special Investigating Unit digs further into all the irregularities that point to possible corruption in this department.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, June 15 2011

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