OSHABENI, South Africa — It was, by all accounts, an ordinary small-town political meeting. The leaders of the local branch of the African National Congress gathered in September at a convent here to discuss candidates for a newly vacated seat on the ward council, the lowest-level elected position in South Africa.
When it was over, Dumisani Malunga, the local party chairman and the front-runner for the seat, stopped at a friend’s house for a late meal of chicken curry. As he and another party official, Bheko Chiliza, drove home at 9:30 p.m., a gunman fired into their car. Their bloody, bullet-riddled bodies were later found sprawled on the ground beside the white Toyota hatchback.
Mr. Malunga and Mr. Chiliza were the latest casualties in an increasingly bloody battle for local political posts in South Africa. Dozens of officials, including ward councilors, party leaders and mayors, have been killed in what has become a desperate, deadly struggle for power and its spoils.
The killings threaten to tarnish the image of the so-called rainbow nation, whose largely bloodless transition from white minority rule to nonracial democracy has made it a beacon of peace, tolerance and forgiveness.
Amid rising corruption and waning economic opportunities, political killings are on the rise. Here in KwaZulu-Natal Province, nearly 40 politicians have been killed since 2010 in battles over political posts, more than triple the number in the previous three years, according to government figures. Over the past few years, dozens more have been killed in provinces like Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo.
The A.N.C., once a banned liberation movement engaged in one of the 20th century’s most important struggles for justice and human rights, is now in power, and it has come under harsh scrutiny for the rampant poverty, deep inequality and widespread unemployment plaguing the country. A wave of wildcat strikes that began in August, and the lethal crackdown against them, has fueled anger at a party seen as increasingly out of touch and whose leaders appear only to seek to fill their pockets.
That is a stark change from the A.N.C.’s early days, when people risked their lives and freedom to join the party and its fight to end apartheid. But in recent years, the party has sharply increased recruitment of new members, with little consideration for who joins and why.
Many new members come in search of wealth and power. Fewer than half of South African’s young black adults have jobs, and many lack the basic skills to find work after years of attending substandard schools in townships and rural areas. For these youths, politics is a seemingly certain route out of poverty. The rise in corruption has fed the belief that political posts mean kickbacks and contracts.
In the ranks of public servants, the post of rural ward council member in a speck of a town like this one would seem no great prize. The job pays about $150 a month, and its occupant must digest a steady diet of complaints from residents about the most fundamental ailments afflicting South Africa: schools that do not teach, taps that do not deliver water, crime that the police seem helpless to stop, jobs that are impossible to find.
But ward councilors are also a conduit for development projects in their areas, and they can influence the awarding of government contracts. The potential upside — earnings from bribes or surreptitious deals — is high.
“Due to the high rate of unemployment, people look for any opportunity to create an income and capitalize on it,” said Mzwandile Mkhwanazi, the regional chairman of the A.N.C. in the area that includes Oshabeni. “They are influenced by levels of poverty. They come up with any ways and means of getting money.”
Such changes in fortune explain why the post of ward councilor in Oshabeni, an impoverished town nestled in rolling hills about 15 miles inland from the Indian Ocean, was so hotly contested. When the woman who held the post died of illness in August, many local politicians were eager to throw their hats into the ring.
One of them was a young taxi driver named Sfiso Khumalo, the leader of the local branch of the A.N.C.’s Youth League. But Mr. Khumalo did not have a very good reputation, fellow Youth League members said. He was hotheaded, they said, and had spent nine years in prison for theft.
“We knew him as a stealer,” said Gcinile Duma, the secretary of the Youth League. “He had been in jail and was with the wrong kind of people.”
Other members of the local A.N.C. branch’s executive committee said they were worried that Mr. Khumalo was not a suitable candidate.
“Some people get into politics for the wrong reason, only for money,” said one local party leader who did not want to be named discussing party business. “Sfiso Khumalo was not looking to help people, only to help himself.”
Standing in his way was Mr. Malunga, 42, the party chairman and a popular local figure.
“People liked Dumisani and saw him as a good leader,” Ms. Duma said.
On Sept. 9, Mr. Khumalo attended the meeting at the Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi Convent to declare his candidacy. There was no open confrontation between Mr. Malunga and Mr. Khumalo, people who attended the meeting said. But when Mr. Malunga was found shot to death near his house, few doubted who was the prime suspect.
“We told the police, ‘We know who did this. It was Sfiso Khumalo,’ ” Ms. Duma said.
After two days of investigations, the police arrested Mr. Khumalo, who promptly confessed that he had conspired with a local businessman to have Mr. Malunga killed. On Sept. 18, Mr. Khumalo was sentenced to 22 years in prison. The person accused of being his co-conspirator is still in court.
In a statement, the leader of the A.N.C. in KwaZulu-Natal condemned the violence and the culture it springs from.
“The A.N.C. can ill afford the development of the culture of the underworld, criminality and violent elimination of opponents,” said the provincial chairman, Zweli Mkhize. “Neither can the A.N.C. afford the association of political appointment to self-enrichment where ascendancy to office is not linked with capacity, competence and dedicated service to our people.”
Party officials paid for Mr. Malunga’s burial, and his brick and stucco grave looks lavish next to the unadorned earthen mounds in the family graveyard that hold his father, brother and nephew.
Mr. Malunga’s mother, Sizakele Malunga, has already buried 5 of her 11 children, but losing her youngest son was a special blow, she said. Mr. Malunga lived with her and kept her company in her widowhood.
“I am lonely, but nothing will bring him back,” Mrs. Malunga said. “I just try to make the time pass without him.”
Mukelwa Hlatshwayo contributed reporting.
Source: New York Times
Showing posts with label Zweli Mkhize. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zweli Mkhize. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
ANC KZN backs Jacob Zuma for ANC Presidency
ANC KZN NOMINATION CONFERENCE STATEMENT
25 November 2012
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday concluded its successful two-day conference which was characterized by frankness, robustness and a comradely spirit that made all sessions to be enjoyable and enlightening.
The conference was convened to consolidate KwaZulu-Natal's policy positions and to combine the province's nominations for preferred leadership to be elected in the National Conference of the ANC to be held in Mangaung in December 2012.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is happy that the conference was characterized by very productive debates on policy issues. Debates spanned from various and diverse views and individual expressions, scientific theory of our revolution to the experience gained through our daily involvement in our community struggles and serving within state institutions and platforms of service delivery.
Our province is once again leading the way by forsaking the foreign tendencies of coming to conferences for the sole purpose of voting for positions. The conference made history by dedicating more focus on policy matters in order to shape the transformation agenda and usher in a better life for all our people.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal strongly believes that the difference in the paths and direction the ANC will take post Mangaung depends on the thoroughness of the discussions and preparations to resolve issues that plague our country not on the face of the leadership cadres elected.
"Today (Sunday) we are concluding what has been a very democratic process. Our branches nominated their preferred candidates freely. The fact that more than one name per position were nominated was a clear indication ANC is a democratic organization," said ANC provincial Secretary, Sihle Zikalala.
After a very vigorous nomination process, ANC branches in KwaZulu-Natal nominated the following cadres:
President: Cde President Cde Jacob Zuma [unanimous]
Deputy President: Cde Cyril Ramaphosa [841 votes]
National Chairperson: Cde Baleka Mbethe [863 votes]
Secretary General: Cde Gwede Mantashe, [unanimous]
Deputy Secretary General: Cde Jessie Duarte [834 votes]
Treasure General: Cde Zweli Mkhize. [833 votes]
The conference emphasized the importance of discipline, unity and political maturity to ensure that the ANC will remain united after the Mangaung conference.
Statement issued by the ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala November 26 2012
Source: Politicsweb
25 November 2012
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday concluded its successful two-day conference which was characterized by frankness, robustness and a comradely spirit that made all sessions to be enjoyable and enlightening.
The conference was convened to consolidate KwaZulu-Natal's policy positions and to combine the province's nominations for preferred leadership to be elected in the National Conference of the ANC to be held in Mangaung in December 2012.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is happy that the conference was characterized by very productive debates on policy issues. Debates spanned from various and diverse views and individual expressions, scientific theory of our revolution to the experience gained through our daily involvement in our community struggles and serving within state institutions and platforms of service delivery.
Our province is once again leading the way by forsaking the foreign tendencies of coming to conferences for the sole purpose of voting for positions. The conference made history by dedicating more focus on policy matters in order to shape the transformation agenda and usher in a better life for all our people.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal strongly believes that the difference in the paths and direction the ANC will take post Mangaung depends on the thoroughness of the discussions and preparations to resolve issues that plague our country not on the face of the leadership cadres elected.
"Today (Sunday) we are concluding what has been a very democratic process. Our branches nominated their preferred candidates freely. The fact that more than one name per position were nominated was a clear indication ANC is a democratic organization," said ANC provincial Secretary, Sihle Zikalala.
After a very vigorous nomination process, ANC branches in KwaZulu-Natal nominated the following cadres:
President: Cde President Cde Jacob Zuma [unanimous]
Deputy President: Cde Cyril Ramaphosa [841 votes]
National Chairperson: Cde Baleka Mbethe [863 votes]
Secretary General: Cde Gwede Mantashe, [unanimous]
Deputy Secretary General: Cde Jessie Duarte [834 votes]
Treasure General: Cde Zweli Mkhize. [833 votes]
The conference emphasized the importance of discipline, unity and political maturity to ensure that the ANC will remain united after the Mangaung conference.
Statement issued by the ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala November 26 2012
Source: Politicsweb
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
ANC KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STATEMENT
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal held its ordinary Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting on July 30, 2012 at the Pinetown Civic Centre.
The meeting began with the ANC Provincial Chairperson, Cde. Zweli Mkhize's political overview, which mainly covered the political evaluation of the recently held National Policy Conference, the outcome of the Provincial Tripartite Alliance Summit, the assessment of the Nelson Mandela Day activities, the state of local government and the killings of political leaders across the political organisations.
The PEC made a thorough assessment of the Policy Conference and it was unanimously agreed that the Policy Conference was a resounding success and that it set a good tone for the upcoming 53rd National Conference in Mangaung later this year. The PEC received a report on the readiness of our province with regard to the forthcoming National Conference and it was very satisfied with the substantial progress that has been made in preparing for this critical conference. The PEC further adopted the action plan which will take the KZN province to Manguang.
The PEC also congratulated Cde Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union and there was a strong feeling that her experience as the former Minister of International Relations, current minister of Home Affairs and the enormous role she has played in the African National Congress will help her confront the pressing challenges facing the African continent. The ANC believes that the management of issues in the African continent will definitely never be the same again.
The PEC applauded the new approach in dealing with African matters in its totality. This approach will assist the African countries to be able to address the African challenges in a comprehensive manner as opposed to isolate one country. The processes that led to the election of Cde Dlamini-Zuma provide an opportune time to address the new divisive influence on African Union agenda from former colonialists (Britain, France and others).
The PEC also commended all people who took part in a series of activities planned to celebrate the Mandela day activities in respect of former President Nelson Mandela, a global icon. Indeed, Cde Mandela is the product of the ANC hence we will remain humble to his achievement as an individual and as the leader of the ANC.
Through an intense lobbying from South Africa, the family of nations as represented in the United Nations declared July 18th as Nelson Mandela Day internationally to acknowledge the 67 years that the global icon dedicated to the service of mankind. The PEC noted that the ANC had well planned activities which included the building of houses for poor families and the renovating of public buildings.
On Service Delivery
In its effort to improve basic service delivery and uphold good governance at all government levels, the PEC resolved that the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal should host a provincial local government summit in September this year.
It is public knowledge that the ANC led government has done well when it comes to delivering services to the people and economic growth. However the actual implementation has proven to be more difficult and as a results service delivery and economic growth continues to experience set-backs. During the summit, delegates will thoroughly assess what has been achieved and meticulously diagnose the challenges hindering service delivery. The ANC has no doubt that this summit will help to carve a strategy to improve service delivery.
The PEC identified the poor communication from the government clusters to inform people of South Africa of the work done since the beginning of the term of office. The PEC agreed to enter into structured report-back community meetings. The ANC deployees from National, Provincial and Local Government will jointly report to constituencies in terms of achievements, challenges, projects to be undertaken and further mobilise community to actively participate in any development projects in their areas.
ANC Social Cohesion Summit
The Department of Arts and Culture recently hosted a National Summit on Social Cohesion which was addressed by President Jacob Zuma. The summit, which was held at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown Soweto, presented people with an opportunity to talk to each other about their values, aspirations and vision of a united South Africa. The summit was a resounding success. The summit's declaration called for government led summits at provincial and local level in the coming 12 months which will lead to the hosting of the national summit in 2017.
As a movement that promotes unity, the PEC called on government to host a provincial social cohesion summit before the end of this year. The ANC wants the summit to be attended by political parties, representatives of civil society, business leaders and government representatives.
Incidents Of Abuse
The spate of sexual violence perpetrated against young children and senior citizens in KwaZulu-Natal is a matter of grave concern. The PEC expressed outrage, anger and disgust at the rape of a 94-year-old at KwaSwayimane in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The ANC will continue to demonstrate outside the New Hanover Magistrate's Court when a 30-year-old man who allegedly raped a 94-year-old woman appears in court. The 30-year-old man will appear again in court on August 3.
The ANC has also learnt that another woman (aged 84) was allegedly raped in KwaSwayimane. We condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms and commend the South African Police Service for ensuring that the alleged perpetrator is arrested. The ANC will continue tomobilise communities to reclaim our streets from criminals and create a society that is safe for women and children.
PEC Sub-Committee Deployments
The ANC PEC sub-committees have been formed. These committees are very crucial in our organisation as they ensure proper coordination of ANC programs. They have been constituted to accommodate members of the ANC, Alliance, MDM structures and other individuals who command lot of expertise on relevant subject.
Sub-Committee Conveners
Peace And Stability
Cde Bheki Ntuli
Education And Health
Cde Lydia Johnson
Economic Transformation
Cde Mxolisi Kaunda
Social Transformation
Cde Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha
International Relations
Cde Yusuf Bhamjee
CRATA
Cde Bongi Sithole-Moloi
Organizational Development And Communications
Cde Sihle Zikalala
Legislature And Governance
Cde Ravi Pillay
Comrade Senzo Mkhize has been appointed as the new Provincial ANC Spokesman.
ANC And NFP Relations
The PEC received a detailed report on the state of the ANC and NFP relationship. The PEC noted the challenges in certain municipalities like in Imbabazane municipality, Mtubatuba municipality. The ANC will continue with the process that is in place to engage with the NFP at all levels to normalise the situation. The ANC entered to Memorandum of Understanding with the NFP knowing very well that it can't be just a smooth sailing there will turbulences on the way which require some principle leadership from both organisations.
There is a joint programme of ANC and NFP to visit all municipalities where there is ANC and NFP cooperation agreement to attend to issues of contestation amongst councillors. We hope the process will remove all bottlenecks and allow speedy service delivery without any disturbance.
Statement issued by Sihle Zikalala, ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary, July 31 2012
Source: Politicsweb
The meeting began with the ANC Provincial Chairperson, Cde. Zweli Mkhize's political overview, which mainly covered the political evaluation of the recently held National Policy Conference, the outcome of the Provincial Tripartite Alliance Summit, the assessment of the Nelson Mandela Day activities, the state of local government and the killings of political leaders across the political organisations.
The PEC made a thorough assessment of the Policy Conference and it was unanimously agreed that the Policy Conference was a resounding success and that it set a good tone for the upcoming 53rd National Conference in Mangaung later this year. The PEC received a report on the readiness of our province with regard to the forthcoming National Conference and it was very satisfied with the substantial progress that has been made in preparing for this critical conference. The PEC further adopted the action plan which will take the KZN province to Manguang.
The PEC also congratulated Cde Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union and there was a strong feeling that her experience as the former Minister of International Relations, current minister of Home Affairs and the enormous role she has played in the African National Congress will help her confront the pressing challenges facing the African continent. The ANC believes that the management of issues in the African continent will definitely never be the same again.
The PEC applauded the new approach in dealing with African matters in its totality. This approach will assist the African countries to be able to address the African challenges in a comprehensive manner as opposed to isolate one country. The processes that led to the election of Cde Dlamini-Zuma provide an opportune time to address the new divisive influence on African Union agenda from former colonialists (Britain, France and others).
The PEC also commended all people who took part in a series of activities planned to celebrate the Mandela day activities in respect of former President Nelson Mandela, a global icon. Indeed, Cde Mandela is the product of the ANC hence we will remain humble to his achievement as an individual and as the leader of the ANC.
Through an intense lobbying from South Africa, the family of nations as represented in the United Nations declared July 18th as Nelson Mandela Day internationally to acknowledge the 67 years that the global icon dedicated to the service of mankind. The PEC noted that the ANC had well planned activities which included the building of houses for poor families and the renovating of public buildings.
On Service Delivery
In its effort to improve basic service delivery and uphold good governance at all government levels, the PEC resolved that the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal should host a provincial local government summit in September this year.
It is public knowledge that the ANC led government has done well when it comes to delivering services to the people and economic growth. However the actual implementation has proven to be more difficult and as a results service delivery and economic growth continues to experience set-backs. During the summit, delegates will thoroughly assess what has been achieved and meticulously diagnose the challenges hindering service delivery. The ANC has no doubt that this summit will help to carve a strategy to improve service delivery.
The PEC identified the poor communication from the government clusters to inform people of South Africa of the work done since the beginning of the term of office. The PEC agreed to enter into structured report-back community meetings. The ANC deployees from National, Provincial and Local Government will jointly report to constituencies in terms of achievements, challenges, projects to be undertaken and further mobilise community to actively participate in any development projects in their areas.
ANC Social Cohesion Summit
The Department of Arts and Culture recently hosted a National Summit on Social Cohesion which was addressed by President Jacob Zuma. The summit, which was held at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown Soweto, presented people with an opportunity to talk to each other about their values, aspirations and vision of a united South Africa. The summit was a resounding success. The summit's declaration called for government led summits at provincial and local level in the coming 12 months which will lead to the hosting of the national summit in 2017.
As a movement that promotes unity, the PEC called on government to host a provincial social cohesion summit before the end of this year. The ANC wants the summit to be attended by political parties, representatives of civil society, business leaders and government representatives.
Incidents Of Abuse
The spate of sexual violence perpetrated against young children and senior citizens in KwaZulu-Natal is a matter of grave concern. The PEC expressed outrage, anger and disgust at the rape of a 94-year-old at KwaSwayimane in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The ANC will continue to demonstrate outside the New Hanover Magistrate's Court when a 30-year-old man who allegedly raped a 94-year-old woman appears in court. The 30-year-old man will appear again in court on August 3.
The ANC has also learnt that another woman (aged 84) was allegedly raped in KwaSwayimane. We condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms and commend the South African Police Service for ensuring that the alleged perpetrator is arrested. The ANC will continue tomobilise communities to reclaim our streets from criminals and create a society that is safe for women and children.
PEC Sub-Committee Deployments
The ANC PEC sub-committees have been formed. These committees are very crucial in our organisation as they ensure proper coordination of ANC programs. They have been constituted to accommodate members of the ANC, Alliance, MDM structures and other individuals who command lot of expertise on relevant subject.
Sub-Committee Conveners
Peace And Stability
Cde Bheki Ntuli
Education And Health
Cde Lydia Johnson
Economic Transformation
Cde Mxolisi Kaunda
Social Transformation
Cde Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha
International Relations
Cde Yusuf Bhamjee
CRATA
Cde Bongi Sithole-Moloi
Organizational Development And Communications
Cde Sihle Zikalala
Legislature And Governance
Cde Ravi Pillay
Comrade Senzo Mkhize has been appointed as the new Provincial ANC Spokesman.
ANC And NFP Relations
The PEC received a detailed report on the state of the ANC and NFP relationship. The PEC noted the challenges in certain municipalities like in Imbabazane municipality, Mtubatuba municipality. The ANC will continue with the process that is in place to engage with the NFP at all levels to normalise the situation. The ANC entered to Memorandum of Understanding with the NFP knowing very well that it can't be just a smooth sailing there will turbulences on the way which require some principle leadership from both organisations.
There is a joint programme of ANC and NFP to visit all municipalities where there is ANC and NFP cooperation agreement to attend to issues of contestation amongst councillors. We hope the process will remove all bottlenecks and allow speedy service delivery without any disturbance.
Statement issued by Sihle Zikalala, ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary, July 31 2012
Source: Politicsweb
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
More South Africans believe politicians are corrupt
Forty percent of South Africans think parliamentarians and councillors are corrupt, according to the Afrobarometer survey, the Star reported on Wednesday. The figure increased from 2008, when 25% of South Africans thought "almost all" or "most" members of Parliament were involved in corruption, according to Dr Cherrel Africa of the University of the Western Cape, who presented the results of the survey in Durban on Tuesday.
According to the study, coordinated by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa, most South Africans do not go to their councillor when they have a problem. Seventy-two percent of people in urban areas, and 74% of those in rural areas, said they never contacted councillors. In addition, between 95% and 96% of people surveyed said they never contacted an MP or member of their provincial legislature.
The approval ratings of the country's nine premiers were also measured. KwaZulu-Natal's Zweli Mkhize got the highest rating, at 72%, along with his Free State counterpart Ace Magashule. Western Cape premier Helen Zille got 61%.
Noxolo Kieviet of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga's David Mabuza got the lowest ratings.
Source: Mail & Guardian
According to the study, coordinated by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa, most South Africans do not go to their councillor when they have a problem. Seventy-two percent of people in urban areas, and 74% of those in rural areas, said they never contacted councillors. In addition, between 95% and 96% of people surveyed said they never contacted an MP or member of their provincial legislature.
The approval ratings of the country's nine premiers were also measured. KwaZulu-Natal's Zweli Mkhize got the highest rating, at 72%, along with his Free State counterpart Ace Magashule. Western Cape premier Helen Zille got 61%.
Noxolo Kieviet of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga's David Mabuza got the lowest ratings.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Monday, February 6, 2012
Malema verdict might not be something to celebrate
It is understandable that members of the chattering classes as well as other members of the public (including many rank and file members of the ANC yearning for a, perhaps mythical, simpler time when ANC Youth League members behaved properly and listened to their elders) on Saturday applauded the verdict of the ANC National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA) which confirmed the guilty verdict against Julius Malema.
It could not have hurt that the verdict was delivered by a confident and in charge Cyril Ramaphosa, who reminded us again why so many of us have regretted the fact that he lost out to Thabo Mbeki when Mandela’s ANC had to appoint a Deputy President and why some of us still wistfully wonder what might have been if he had become our President instead of either Thabo Mbeki or Jacob Zuma.
Although some newspaper editors might miss Malema (given the fact that he has the ability to make news and sell newspapers), most of us might feel slightly relieved that this hypocritical demagogue has been dealt with so effectively and seemingly so decisively by the ANC senior leadership.
Yet, there is something about the way in which Jacob Zuma and Gwede Mantashe managed to clip Malema’s wings that sits uneasy with me. If they could do it to him, I wonder, could they do it to anyone else – including every single one of us who are members of the chattering classes and sometimes mock or criticise our dancing and singing President and every single ANC member who fails to toe the party line or who speaks out against the abuse of power or incompetence by some members of the leadership?
Is there not just a whiff of Stalinism about the way in which Zuma and Matashe got rid of a political enemy? Can we expect the pictures to be airbrushed next so that Malema will disappear completely from official ANC history?
Recall that Malema was convicted on three charges, two of them having been confirmed by the NDCA. First, he was convicted of contravening Rule 25.5 (1) of the ANC Constitution “by behaving in such a way as to provoke serious divisions or a breakdown of unity in the organisation”. His sin was that he addressed a press conference on 31 July 2011 at the conclusion of an ANC Youth League NEC meeting where he said amongst other things “in the past we know President Mbeki used that agenda very well …. The African agenda is no longer a priority and we think that there is a temptation by the coloniser and the imperialist to want to recolonise Africa in a different but sophisticated way and President Mbeki stood directly opposed to that type of conduct.”
The NDC found that through his utterances Malema sought to portray the ANC government and its leadership under President Zuma in a negative light which therefore had the potential to sow division and disunity in the ANC. The NDCA confirmed the reasoning of the NDC. The implications of this verdict are rather stark. Any ANC member who now suggests that an out of favour former President may have done some good and that he might have been better than an incumbent leader can now be kicked out of the Party for contravening Rule 25.5(1). If this principle had been applied consistently in the past, Mbeki would have been able to get rid of Zuma and most of his opponents long before the votes were counted at Polokwane. To his credit, he never used such tactics against them.
The verdict comes perilously close to suggesting that no ANC member will henceforth be allowed ever to criticise the incumbent ANC leadership in public. This is a rather handy precedent to set if one intends to stand for a second (or third) term in office or if one wishes to “manage” future leadership elections. To my mind the ruling on this point seems profoundly undemocratic and deeply dangerous and both ANC members and other members of the public should feel more than a bit worried about this move. One should not confuse approval for the outcome of this case (silencing Malema) with what is good for the ANC and South Africa and if one does, one underestimates the possible ruthlessness of the current bunch of ANC leaders aiming to secure a second term for themselves at Mangaung.
Malema was also convicted of contravening Rule 25.5 (c) of the Constitution of the ANC by behaving in such a way as to bring the organisation into disrepute. This was done for ostensibly slightly more plausible reasons, namely because he addressed a press conference on 31 July 2011 by making announcements amongst others:
* That the Botswana leadership of government poses a serious threat to Africa so we need a progressive government in Botswana;
* We are not going to sit with neighbours that conduct themselves like that. Botswana is in full co-operation with imperialists and the government is undermining the African agenda;
* The ANC Youth League would establish a Botswana Command Team which would work towards uniting all opposition forces in Botswana to oppose the puppet regime of Botswana led by the Botswana Democratic Party.
Now, imagine, for a moment that the statement did not relate to Botswana but to Zimbabwe and that Zwelenzima Vavi had made it and not Malema. Imagine Vavi had said that Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF had ruined Zimbabwe and that Cosatu would mobilise ANC members to oppose the murderous regime in Zimbabwe and to unite opposition forces in that country to try and oust Mugabe. If the Zuma and Mantashe had then proceeded to discipline Vavi and if he was then suspended from the ANC, would we all be cheering this on as we are doing with the Malema case?
Surely ordinary ANC members (yes, also those who helped to get rid of Thabo Mbeki at Polokwane, ostensibly because of his dictatorial tendencies) should feel more than a bit uncomfortable by the manner in which Malema had been dealt with? I ask again: will there be other casualties and will the same principles be used to get rid of other opponents who do not shut up? Will they go after Matthews Phosa? Will they go after Kgalema Motlanthe if he ever grew a backbone and actually indicated that he was interested in presidency of the ANC? Will they go after our charming, but arch-opportunist, Tokyo Sexwale, for showing rather too much ambition?
And should this not all be read against the background of the pending suspension of a senior NPA prosecutor, reportedly because she refused to drop charges against crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli who is said to enjoy protection from “right at the top”? Remember that last year a secret report prepared by Mduli was leaked to the newspaper and that this report claimed that various ANC leaders met in January 2010 in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal to plot the ouster of Jacob Zuma. (Why crime intelligence was involved in such a story is unclear as it is perfectly legal in a democracy for political contenders within a party to plot against each other – as long as they use only legal means.)
Key members of the group that is said to have met are KwaZulu-Natal provincial premier Zweli Mkhize and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale.
Remember also that the Secrecy Bill has just as much if not more to do with attempts by the intelligence agencies (firmly under the control of Zuma and Mantashe) to protect their agents and to prevent any exposure of their – legal or illegal – activities which we now know (thanks to Mduli) also focus on the succession race inside the ANC.
It might be that Malema is a special case and that the extraordinary precedent set by this disciplinary case against Malema will not be used against other critics of the current ANC leadership or against anyone who dares to show any ambition to take over the job of President or Secretary General of the ANC. But do not count on it.
Source: Constitutionally Speaking
It could not have hurt that the verdict was delivered by a confident and in charge Cyril Ramaphosa, who reminded us again why so many of us have regretted the fact that he lost out to Thabo Mbeki when Mandela’s ANC had to appoint a Deputy President and why some of us still wistfully wonder what might have been if he had become our President instead of either Thabo Mbeki or Jacob Zuma.
Although some newspaper editors might miss Malema (given the fact that he has the ability to make news and sell newspapers), most of us might feel slightly relieved that this hypocritical demagogue has been dealt with so effectively and seemingly so decisively by the ANC senior leadership.
Yet, there is something about the way in which Jacob Zuma and Gwede Mantashe managed to clip Malema’s wings that sits uneasy with me. If they could do it to him, I wonder, could they do it to anyone else – including every single one of us who are members of the chattering classes and sometimes mock or criticise our dancing and singing President and every single ANC member who fails to toe the party line or who speaks out against the abuse of power or incompetence by some members of the leadership?
Is there not just a whiff of Stalinism about the way in which Zuma and Matashe got rid of a political enemy? Can we expect the pictures to be airbrushed next so that Malema will disappear completely from official ANC history?
Recall that Malema was convicted on three charges, two of them having been confirmed by the NDCA. First, he was convicted of contravening Rule 25.5 (1) of the ANC Constitution “by behaving in such a way as to provoke serious divisions or a breakdown of unity in the organisation”. His sin was that he addressed a press conference on 31 July 2011 at the conclusion of an ANC Youth League NEC meeting where he said amongst other things “in the past we know President Mbeki used that agenda very well …. The African agenda is no longer a priority and we think that there is a temptation by the coloniser and the imperialist to want to recolonise Africa in a different but sophisticated way and President Mbeki stood directly opposed to that type of conduct.”
The NDC found that through his utterances Malema sought to portray the ANC government and its leadership under President Zuma in a negative light which therefore had the potential to sow division and disunity in the ANC. The NDCA confirmed the reasoning of the NDC. The implications of this verdict are rather stark. Any ANC member who now suggests that an out of favour former President may have done some good and that he might have been better than an incumbent leader can now be kicked out of the Party for contravening Rule 25.5(1). If this principle had been applied consistently in the past, Mbeki would have been able to get rid of Zuma and most of his opponents long before the votes were counted at Polokwane. To his credit, he never used such tactics against them.
The verdict comes perilously close to suggesting that no ANC member will henceforth be allowed ever to criticise the incumbent ANC leadership in public. This is a rather handy precedent to set if one intends to stand for a second (or third) term in office or if one wishes to “manage” future leadership elections. To my mind the ruling on this point seems profoundly undemocratic and deeply dangerous and both ANC members and other members of the public should feel more than a bit worried about this move. One should not confuse approval for the outcome of this case (silencing Malema) with what is good for the ANC and South Africa and if one does, one underestimates the possible ruthlessness of the current bunch of ANC leaders aiming to secure a second term for themselves at Mangaung.
Malema was also convicted of contravening Rule 25.5 (c) of the Constitution of the ANC by behaving in such a way as to bring the organisation into disrepute. This was done for ostensibly slightly more plausible reasons, namely because he addressed a press conference on 31 July 2011 by making announcements amongst others:
* That the Botswana leadership of government poses a serious threat to Africa so we need a progressive government in Botswana;
* We are not going to sit with neighbours that conduct themselves like that. Botswana is in full co-operation with imperialists and the government is undermining the African agenda;
* The ANC Youth League would establish a Botswana Command Team which would work towards uniting all opposition forces in Botswana to oppose the puppet regime of Botswana led by the Botswana Democratic Party.
Now, imagine, for a moment that the statement did not relate to Botswana but to Zimbabwe and that Zwelenzima Vavi had made it and not Malema. Imagine Vavi had said that Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF had ruined Zimbabwe and that Cosatu would mobilise ANC members to oppose the murderous regime in Zimbabwe and to unite opposition forces in that country to try and oust Mugabe. If the Zuma and Mantashe had then proceeded to discipline Vavi and if he was then suspended from the ANC, would we all be cheering this on as we are doing with the Malema case?
Surely ordinary ANC members (yes, also those who helped to get rid of Thabo Mbeki at Polokwane, ostensibly because of his dictatorial tendencies) should feel more than a bit uncomfortable by the manner in which Malema had been dealt with? I ask again: will there be other casualties and will the same principles be used to get rid of other opponents who do not shut up? Will they go after Matthews Phosa? Will they go after Kgalema Motlanthe if he ever grew a backbone and actually indicated that he was interested in presidency of the ANC? Will they go after our charming, but arch-opportunist, Tokyo Sexwale, for showing rather too much ambition?
And should this not all be read against the background of the pending suspension of a senior NPA prosecutor, reportedly because she refused to drop charges against crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli who is said to enjoy protection from “right at the top”? Remember that last year a secret report prepared by Mduli was leaked to the newspaper and that this report claimed that various ANC leaders met in January 2010 in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal to plot the ouster of Jacob Zuma. (Why crime intelligence was involved in such a story is unclear as it is perfectly legal in a democracy for political contenders within a party to plot against each other – as long as they use only legal means.)
Key members of the group that is said to have met are KwaZulu-Natal provincial premier Zweli Mkhize and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale.
Remember also that the Secrecy Bill has just as much if not more to do with attempts by the intelligence agencies (firmly under the control of Zuma and Mantashe) to protect their agents and to prevent any exposure of their – legal or illegal – activities which we now know (thanks to Mduli) also focus on the succession race inside the ANC.
It might be that Malema is a special case and that the extraordinary precedent set by this disciplinary case against Malema will not be used against other critics of the current ANC leadership or against anyone who dares to show any ambition to take over the job of President or Secretary General of the ANC. But do not count on it.
Source: Constitutionally Speaking
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Mabongi Shauwn Mpisane's R176m deal
Mabongi Shauwn Mpisane is demanding the eThekwini municipality honour a secret R176-million housing contract on which it is backtracking. The contract, which never went out to tender, was suspended after the city's legal advisers pointed out that Mabongi Shauwn Mpisane had a criminal record.
Mpisane and her husband, former city policeman Sibusiso Mpisane, are known for their flashy lifestyle and for hosting lavish parties attended by celebrities and high-ranking politicians. Mpisane's company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, of which she is sole director, is also listed in a forensic report on alleged financial irregularities and tender fraud within the municipality. The company has received more than R300-million in housing contracts from the city over the past five years - excluding the one for R176-million - while Mpisane is facing 172 new tax-related charges. And, despite probes into Mpisane and her company by the municipality, the provincial housing department and the SA Revenue Service, in September last year the municipality gave her the contract to build and complete 2114 low-cost homes in Umlazi, south of Durban. Normal tender procedures were not followed and the city suspended the contract after being advised to do so by its legal department.
The Sunday Times has established that Mpisane instructed her lawyers to force the municipality to reverse its decision. In a letter dated December 6 2011 from lawyer Themba Mjoli, the municipality was given a 24-hour deadline to reverse its decision. "Unless you do so immediately ... our instructions are to seek appropriate relief from the high court on an urgent basis," he wrote. This week Mjoli declined to comment, saying he had just returned from holiday and was unaware if the city had responded. Municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng failed to answer questions forwarded to him. According to municipal documents, Mpisane's company was hand-picked for the tender by the city's bid adjudication committee in September last year - despite it being tarnished by claims of poor workmanship in several of its projects.
Documents seen by the Sunday Times show that the committee used Section 36 of the procurement policy to bypass the normal public tender route. However, a month later the municipality's legal department objected and, on two separate occasions, warned the committee to reverse its decision. In two scathing letters, legal advisers questioned the selection of Mpisane's company, saying she had been convicted of VAT fraud in 2005. At the time, the company was fined R15000 and Mpisane received a three-year jail term suspended for five years.
The advisers also said the Close Corporations Act prohibited Mpisane from owning a business because of her conviction and sentence. "The amount of public money involved is such that the [committee] is obliged to follow the public tender process, so that council can get value for money," it said.
Housing head Cogi Pather wrote to Mpisane on December 2 explaining their decision to suspend the contract. Mjoli responded: "You are undoubtedly aware that the impugned decision was taken and made arbitrarily and capriciously." The lawyer attacked the municipality for ignoring the cost to Zikhulise of paying "1000 employees" and "18 subcontractors". "On a more serious note, the community, which is currently awaiting being accommodated before the builder's shutdown, is likely to be seriously angered by your impugned decision."
Mjoli also questioned the applicability of the Close Corporations Act in view of the fact that Mpisane's sentence had been suspended. Council minutes show that the tender in question was simply reconfigured from an old deal in 2006 for the construction of 3100 homes in Umlazi. The Mpisanes were then appointed as the main contractors but, after the auditor-general denounced the deal as highly irregular two years ago, work came to a halt. But early last year the provincial human settlements department approved the new, re-jigged contract to finish the work.
In 2010 forensic auditors Ngubane & Co recommended an investigation into Zikhulise and 34 other contractors. Two years ago, the Special Investigating Unit also began a probe of payments linked to a R37-million housing project in Durban's Lamontville township involving Mpisane.
The DA's Tex Collins, who has cried foul over the municipality's procurement practices for years, said: "Clearly all is not well ... any such work [Mpisane's company is involved in] should be stopped immediately for investigation." Mpisane and her husband, meanwhile, spent an estimated R1-million on an Egyptian-themed seventh wedding anniversary in March last year. Guests included socialite Khanyi Mbau, Khulubuse Zuma and May Mkhize, wife of KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize.
Source: Times Live
Mpisane and her husband, former city policeman Sibusiso Mpisane, are known for their flashy lifestyle and for hosting lavish parties attended by celebrities and high-ranking politicians. Mpisane's company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, of which she is sole director, is also listed in a forensic report on alleged financial irregularities and tender fraud within the municipality. The company has received more than R300-million in housing contracts from the city over the past five years - excluding the one for R176-million - while Mpisane is facing 172 new tax-related charges. And, despite probes into Mpisane and her company by the municipality, the provincial housing department and the SA Revenue Service, in September last year the municipality gave her the contract to build and complete 2114 low-cost homes in Umlazi, south of Durban. Normal tender procedures were not followed and the city suspended the contract after being advised to do so by its legal department.
The Sunday Times has established that Mpisane instructed her lawyers to force the municipality to reverse its decision. In a letter dated December 6 2011 from lawyer Themba Mjoli, the municipality was given a 24-hour deadline to reverse its decision. "Unless you do so immediately ... our instructions are to seek appropriate relief from the high court on an urgent basis," he wrote. This week Mjoli declined to comment, saying he had just returned from holiday and was unaware if the city had responded. Municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng failed to answer questions forwarded to him. According to municipal documents, Mpisane's company was hand-picked for the tender by the city's bid adjudication committee in September last year - despite it being tarnished by claims of poor workmanship in several of its projects.
Documents seen by the Sunday Times show that the committee used Section 36 of the procurement policy to bypass the normal public tender route. However, a month later the municipality's legal department objected and, on two separate occasions, warned the committee to reverse its decision. In two scathing letters, legal advisers questioned the selection of Mpisane's company, saying she had been convicted of VAT fraud in 2005. At the time, the company was fined R15000 and Mpisane received a three-year jail term suspended for five years.
The advisers also said the Close Corporations Act prohibited Mpisane from owning a business because of her conviction and sentence. "The amount of public money involved is such that the [committee] is obliged to follow the public tender process, so that council can get value for money," it said.
Housing head Cogi Pather wrote to Mpisane on December 2 explaining their decision to suspend the contract. Mjoli responded: "You are undoubtedly aware that the impugned decision was taken and made arbitrarily and capriciously." The lawyer attacked the municipality for ignoring the cost to Zikhulise of paying "1000 employees" and "18 subcontractors". "On a more serious note, the community, which is currently awaiting being accommodated before the builder's shutdown, is likely to be seriously angered by your impugned decision."
Mjoli also questioned the applicability of the Close Corporations Act in view of the fact that Mpisane's sentence had been suspended. Council minutes show that the tender in question was simply reconfigured from an old deal in 2006 for the construction of 3100 homes in Umlazi. The Mpisanes were then appointed as the main contractors but, after the auditor-general denounced the deal as highly irregular two years ago, work came to a halt. But early last year the provincial human settlements department approved the new, re-jigged contract to finish the work.
In 2010 forensic auditors Ngubane & Co recommended an investigation into Zikhulise and 34 other contractors. Two years ago, the Special Investigating Unit also began a probe of payments linked to a R37-million housing project in Durban's Lamontville township involving Mpisane.
The DA's Tex Collins, who has cried foul over the municipality's procurement practices for years, said: "Clearly all is not well ... any such work [Mpisane's company is involved in] should be stopped immediately for investigation." Mpisane and her husband, meanwhile, spent an estimated R1-million on an Egyptian-themed seventh wedding anniversary in March last year. Guests included socialite Khanyi Mbau, Khulubuse Zuma and May Mkhize, wife of KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize.
Source: Times Live
Monday, September 6, 2010
Mkhize denies involvment in R200m tender fraud
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize on Sunday denied any involvement in the alleged R200-million tender fraud which led to the arrest of senior government officials. "The premier takes serious exception to the Sunday Times suggestion that he played a key role in the scandal," said Mkhize's spokesperson Ndabe Sibiya. The newspaper reported that Mkhize and ANC Northern Cape chairperson John Block "played key roles in multimillion-rand deals" awarded to Cape Town firm Intaka.
Former head of department in the department of health, Dr Busi Nyembezi, former procurement officer Mdu Ntshangase and provincial legislature's current chief financial officer Sipho Buthelezi were recently arrested in connection with the fraud. Businessman, Uruguayan national Gaston Savoi, Fernando Praderi (also an Uruguayan national), Ansano Romani, Donald Miller and Ronald Geddes, were also arrested. They allegedly defrauded the KwaZulu-Natal health department by inflating prices of water purification equipment supplied to hospitals.
The alleged crime happened while Mkhize was the province's finance minister. Sibiya said an impression had been created that Mkhize was a corrupt leader who influenced the multimillion-rand deals. "We also hold a view that this borders along defaming Dr Mkhize," said Sibiya.
The ANC in the province has also admitted that it had received a R1-million donation from Savoi. It also promised to return the money if it is found that the money was obtained through the corruption.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Former head of department in the department of health, Dr Busi Nyembezi, former procurement officer Mdu Ntshangase and provincial legislature's current chief financial officer Sipho Buthelezi were recently arrested in connection with the fraud. Businessman, Uruguayan national Gaston Savoi, Fernando Praderi (also an Uruguayan national), Ansano Romani, Donald Miller and Ronald Geddes, were also arrested. They allegedly defrauded the KwaZulu-Natal health department by inflating prices of water purification equipment supplied to hospitals.
The alleged crime happened while Mkhize was the province's finance minister. Sibiya said an impression had been created that Mkhize was a corrupt leader who influenced the multimillion-rand deals. "We also hold a view that this borders along defaming Dr Mkhize," said Sibiya.
The ANC in the province has also admitted that it had received a R1-million donation from Savoi. It also promised to return the money if it is found that the money was obtained through the corruption.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Sunday, September 5, 2010
ANC chiefs caught up in R200m tender trap
Two senior ANC bosses have been drawn into a R200-million tender scandal in which the Hawks arrested eight people and raided their houses last week. KwaZulu-Natal premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and ANC Northern Cape chairman John Block played key roles in multimillion-rand deals awarded to Cape Town firm Intaka. Block is Northern Cape finance, economic development and tourism MEC. Mkhize is provincial ANC leader in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Hawks raided Block's house and offices in Kimberley in August last year, allegedly seizing incriminating documents. Block's spokesman, Derek Martin, this week confirmed the raid. Court papers seen by the Sunday Times implicate Block, who served as acting Northern Cape premier twice this year, and Ithala bank CEO Sipho Shabalala in the massive corruption case that spans at least five South African provinces, Angola, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Last Wednesday, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and police priority-crimes directorate the Hawks seized R200-million in assets in simultaneous dawn raids in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town. They arrested five businessmen in Cape Town, including Uruguayan tycoon Gaston Savoi, and three senior government officials in KwaZulu-Natal. Savoi's Ferrari, Maserati, Lear Jet and properties were attached.
Shabalala was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspects are accused of colluding to award massive tenders without proper tender processes, inflating prices of goods and services rendered by up to seven times and creating shell firms for kickbacks for officials, court papers show. The alleged fraud centres on water-purification and oxygen plants supplied by Gastoi firm Intaka for KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape health and local government departments. Block is Gastoi's partner in Intaka's Northern Cape branch.
Mkhize, as KwaZulu-Natal economic affairs MEC, wrote in July 2005 to then local government and traditional affairs MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, asking him for R43.2-million from the poverty alleviation fund to buy water-purification plants from Intaka. Intaka allegedly sold a plant valued at R420000 for R4.9-million to the provincial health department. Mkhize wrote: "It is my view that it would be more than justified to fund the purchase of this equipment from the poverty alleviation fund, which is intended inter alia to fund exactly this type of social and economic related infrastructure." Yesterday, Mkhize spokesman Ndabezinhle Sibiya said: "It is incorrect to suggest that Mkhize 'put pressure' to push the deal. Mkhize expected that the processes would be expedited. No instruction for illegal or criminal acts was given. "Dr Mkhize therefore denies in the strongest terms suggestions that he was involved in the facilitation of a fraudulent deal, and categorically denies any wrongdoing on his part."
KwaZulu-Natal's health department spent R44-million on water-purification plants and the Northern Cape government R112-million on water-purification and oxygen plants Intaka supplied. Investigators believe up to R16-million was paid in bribes in KwaZulu-Natal and R13-million in the Northern Cape. Shabalala and Block were not arrested or charged , but properties and luxury vehicles owned by Shabalala were attached. Investigators said more arrests, including Shabalala's, were imminent. It is not clear if Block faces arrest or if Mkhize will be questioned.
Justice minister Jeff Radebe said last week "more arrests would follow" in the Northern Cape. Hawks investigator Petrus du Plooy said in an affidavit "Intaka was involved in similar and related criminal activities in the Northern Cape", involving its health department. Intaka sold the department 11 plants for R47-million "at similarly excessive unit prices. Intaka was entitled only to charge R7.975-million."
Letters and agreements between Intaka, Savoi and Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal health officials were seized, and also invoices for "several payments made by Intaka to and on behalf of several officials and/or their related business entities". In an affidavit, lead Hawks investigator Clarence Jones said: "These commissions (are) just another way of giving kickbacks, paying bribes to the officials."
Source: Times Live
The Hawks raided Block's house and offices in Kimberley in August last year, allegedly seizing incriminating documents. Block's spokesman, Derek Martin, this week confirmed the raid. Court papers seen by the Sunday Times implicate Block, who served as acting Northern Cape premier twice this year, and Ithala bank CEO Sipho Shabalala in the massive corruption case that spans at least five South African provinces, Angola, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Last Wednesday, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and police priority-crimes directorate the Hawks seized R200-million in assets in simultaneous dawn raids in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town. They arrested five businessmen in Cape Town, including Uruguayan tycoon Gaston Savoi, and three senior government officials in KwaZulu-Natal. Savoi's Ferrari, Maserati, Lear Jet and properties were attached.
Shabalala was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspects are accused of colluding to award massive tenders without proper tender processes, inflating prices of goods and services rendered by up to seven times and creating shell firms for kickbacks for officials, court papers show. The alleged fraud centres on water-purification and oxygen plants supplied by Gastoi firm Intaka for KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape health and local government departments. Block is Gastoi's partner in Intaka's Northern Cape branch.
Mkhize, as KwaZulu-Natal economic affairs MEC, wrote in July 2005 to then local government and traditional affairs MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, asking him for R43.2-million from the poverty alleviation fund to buy water-purification plants from Intaka. Intaka allegedly sold a plant valued at R420000 for R4.9-million to the provincial health department. Mkhize wrote: "It is my view that it would be more than justified to fund the purchase of this equipment from the poverty alleviation fund, which is intended inter alia to fund exactly this type of social and economic related infrastructure." Yesterday, Mkhize spokesman Ndabezinhle Sibiya said: "It is incorrect to suggest that Mkhize 'put pressure' to push the deal. Mkhize expected that the processes would be expedited. No instruction for illegal or criminal acts was given. "Dr Mkhize therefore denies in the strongest terms suggestions that he was involved in the facilitation of a fraudulent deal, and categorically denies any wrongdoing on his part."
KwaZulu-Natal's health department spent R44-million on water-purification plants and the Northern Cape government R112-million on water-purification and oxygen plants Intaka supplied. Investigators believe up to R16-million was paid in bribes in KwaZulu-Natal and R13-million in the Northern Cape. Shabalala and Block were not arrested or charged , but properties and luxury vehicles owned by Shabalala were attached. Investigators said more arrests, including Shabalala's, were imminent. It is not clear if Block faces arrest or if Mkhize will be questioned.
Justice minister Jeff Radebe said last week "more arrests would follow" in the Northern Cape. Hawks investigator Petrus du Plooy said in an affidavit "Intaka was involved in similar and related criminal activities in the Northern Cape", involving its health department. Intaka sold the department 11 plants for R47-million "at similarly excessive unit prices. Intaka was entitled only to charge R7.975-million."
Letters and agreements between Intaka, Savoi and Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal health officials were seized, and also invoices for "several payments made by Intaka to and on behalf of several officials and/or their related business entities". In an affidavit, lead Hawks investigator Clarence Jones said: "These commissions (are) just another way of giving kickbacks, paying bribes to the officials."
Source: Times Live
Friday, March 26, 2010
ANC at war over premier
The political future of Mpumalanga Premier David "DD" Mabuza is in the balance, with some senior ANC leaders pushing for his early exit from the province's hot seat. ANC sources said this week that members of the party's national executive committee (NEC) had been wanting him removed because of the spate of service delivery protests and allegations relating to the murder of government officials and ANC politicians in Mpumalanga.
President Jacob Zuma, who personally intervened in the protests, has complained that government officials at other levels have not followed up on his work. Provincial sources have repeatedly accused party treasurer Mathews Phosa of being opposed to Mabuza, though Phosa denies this. They have also accused ANC national spokesperson Jackson Mthembu of allowing uncertainty about Mabuza's position to continue.
However, Mabuza has powerful backers in the NEC -- they include Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula and ANC Youth League president Julius Malema. Several Mpumalanga and national ANC leaders have told the M&G that investigations by the police's crime intelligence unit have looked closely at Mabuza's alleged involvement in the scandals surrounding the Mbombela stadium. His spokesperson, Mabutho Sithole, said this week that he was aware of the rumours to this effect but no one had officially notified the premier. "We all hear the rumours. The police are better placed to answer that as they are the ones who are investigating," Sithole said. The M&G was unable to obtain police confirmation.
Mthembu said he would not comment on the rumours, though he defended his earlier decision to release a statement saying the ANC took the matter seriously and all allegations against provincial ANC leaders, including Mabuza, were being probed. His remarks angered Mabuza's supporters, who accused Mthembu of using his position to take on political rivals in Mpumalanga. "What we said was that a team is investigating the allegations raised," Mthembu said. "I don't know where this thing that I'm biased comes from. We read about the [existence] of the hit list in the media and we just can't dismiss it." Those backing Mabuza's removal say, bearing in mind next year's municipal elections, it would spare the ANC embarrassment if he left before more evidence against him emerged.
Since becoming premier Mabuza has been locked in political battles with his colleagues in the provincial ANC who feel they were marginalised when he appointed his cabinet. But his supporters believe he is being targeted by individuals out to control provincial resources. Mabuza's detractors are pushing for his rival, Mbombela mayor Lucky Chiwayo, to succeed him. But Chiwayo, who lost the position of provincial ANC chair to Mabuza, is under pressure from Mabuza's supporters to quit as mayor. This week the ANC's Ehlanzeni regional general council passed a resolution recommending that Chiwayo be recalled. The resolution is apparently in retaliation for his refusal to reinstate former Mbombela municipal manager Jacob Dladla, a Mabuza ally. Chiwayo dismissed him because of allegations that he irregularly authorised the payment of R43-million to Lekia, the company of Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga police have arrested former ANC provincial secretary James Nkambule on charges of defeating the ends of justice, fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Nkambule recently handed an affidavit to police which he claimed was written by a Mozambican hitman known as Josh, who said he was paid to assassinate politicians in the province.
Source: Mail & Guardian
President Jacob Zuma, who personally intervened in the protests, has complained that government officials at other levels have not followed up on his work. Provincial sources have repeatedly accused party treasurer Mathews Phosa of being opposed to Mabuza, though Phosa denies this. They have also accused ANC national spokesperson Jackson Mthembu of allowing uncertainty about Mabuza's position to continue.
However, Mabuza has powerful backers in the NEC -- they include Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula and ANC Youth League president Julius Malema. Several Mpumalanga and national ANC leaders have told the M&G that investigations by the police's crime intelligence unit have looked closely at Mabuza's alleged involvement in the scandals surrounding the Mbombela stadium. His spokesperson, Mabutho Sithole, said this week that he was aware of the rumours to this effect but no one had officially notified the premier. "We all hear the rumours. The police are better placed to answer that as they are the ones who are investigating," Sithole said. The M&G was unable to obtain police confirmation.
Mthembu said he would not comment on the rumours, though he defended his earlier decision to release a statement saying the ANC took the matter seriously and all allegations against provincial ANC leaders, including Mabuza, were being probed. His remarks angered Mabuza's supporters, who accused Mthembu of using his position to take on political rivals in Mpumalanga. "What we said was that a team is investigating the allegations raised," Mthembu said. "I don't know where this thing that I'm biased comes from. We read about the [existence] of the hit list in the media and we just can't dismiss it." Those backing Mabuza's removal say, bearing in mind next year's municipal elections, it would spare the ANC embarrassment if he left before more evidence against him emerged.
Since becoming premier Mabuza has been locked in political battles with his colleagues in the provincial ANC who feel they were marginalised when he appointed his cabinet. But his supporters believe he is being targeted by individuals out to control provincial resources. Mabuza's detractors are pushing for his rival, Mbombela mayor Lucky Chiwayo, to succeed him. But Chiwayo, who lost the position of provincial ANC chair to Mabuza, is under pressure from Mabuza's supporters to quit as mayor. This week the ANC's Ehlanzeni regional general council passed a resolution recommending that Chiwayo be recalled. The resolution is apparently in retaliation for his refusal to reinstate former Mbombela municipal manager Jacob Dladla, a Mabuza ally. Chiwayo dismissed him because of allegations that he irregularly authorised the payment of R43-million to Lekia, the company of Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga police have arrested former ANC provincial secretary James Nkambule on charges of defeating the ends of justice, fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Nkambule recently handed an affidavit to police which he claimed was written by a Mozambican hitman known as Josh, who said he was paid to assassinate politicians in the province.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
COPE enters Malema spy papers fray
ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has claimed that he has an "intelligence document" listing the names of prominent political leaders who backed President Jacob Zuma's rise to power, but who are now being targeted to be toppled. Interviewed on SAfm's After Eight Debate radio programme yesterday, Malema further claimed that preliminary investigations by the police had determined that the document was genuine. A probe was now under way, he said. Without naming any of the individuals said to be behind the alleged plot, Malema said intelligence officers had tipped off the youth league about the list and then passed it on to them. He had told Zuma about the existence of the list.
Under attack for his lavish lifestyle and links to companies that reportedly raked in millions through government contracts, Malema said he was the target of a smear campaign for not backing any of the ANC's leftist allies for leadership positions at the party's 2012 elective conference. He said he would not mind Sars conducting a lifestyle audit on him, but would have a problem if one was carried out as a result of political interference - "to further factional interests of certain people in the ANC" or the agendas of opposition parties like COPE, the DA and Independent Democrats. "I am saying so because we've got a document of a list of people - and I will make it public, we just took it to the police to verify it - who must be targeted. These people are still called Zuma people," Malema said.
He said he had told Zuma that KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize was one of the leaders being targeted. Mkhize on Monday denied any conflict of interest over government contracts worth millions of rands awarded to his wife, Dr May Mashego, and his daughter Nokulinda. Malema did not identify the intelligence officers who he claimed had handed over the document to him. "They (intelligence officers) found this to be very unacceptable and they thought they needed to alert us. We had to take it to the police to verify it, and so far we are satisfied with the investigation. "The preliminary report shows that this is an authentic document that deserves to be taken seriously. I told the president (on Monday) 'I will give you that report before I take it anywhere else'," Malema said. "There are still concerted efforts to try and discredit the leadership of the ANC and particularly those that are seen to be in the frontline in defence of President Zuma. "We are dealing with a concoction, a mix masala of a political environment which is polluted and people who have resorted to dirty tricks, and these dirty tricks failed before Polokwane and they will fail even now," said Malema. The DA is now likely to raise questions about Malema's claims in Parliament. DA national youth spokesman Khume Ramulifho said Malema's claim was "deeply problematic". "First, if the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is giving its intelligence reports to the head of the ANCYL - a party-political position with absolutely no public duties or functions - this constitutes a fundamental conflation of party and state."
If Malema was referring to "some sort of parallel intelligence structure within the ruling party, this too is deeply problematic", Ramulifho said. The country's intelligence structures had been "systematically warped" to serve a number of political agendas in recent years and the immense power they wielded, the possibilities of abuse and the "highly sensitive issues" they dealt with were all reasons why the intelligence services were run by the state and not political parties, he added.
He would be asking DA MP colleague Theo Coetzee to raise the issue in the joint standing committee on intelligence to establish whether "NIA operatives are handing over secret dossiers to the ANCYL", and if so, whether any action was being taken against them. "One way or another, Julius Malema owes the South African public an explanation," he said.
The department of Police could not confirm yesterday whether the document had indeed been brought to the attention of the SAPS, but this was being investigated. Meanwhile, Young Communist League spokeswoman Gugu Ndima has denied her organisation was plotting against Malema.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Under attack for his lavish lifestyle and links to companies that reportedly raked in millions through government contracts, Malema said he was the target of a smear campaign for not backing any of the ANC's leftist allies for leadership positions at the party's 2012 elective conference. He said he would not mind Sars conducting a lifestyle audit on him, but would have a problem if one was carried out as a result of political interference - "to further factional interests of certain people in the ANC" or the agendas of opposition parties like COPE, the DA and Independent Democrats. "I am saying so because we've got a document of a list of people - and I will make it public, we just took it to the police to verify it - who must be targeted. These people are still called Zuma people," Malema said.
He said he had told Zuma that KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize was one of the leaders being targeted. Mkhize on Monday denied any conflict of interest over government contracts worth millions of rands awarded to his wife, Dr May Mashego, and his daughter Nokulinda. Malema did not identify the intelligence officers who he claimed had handed over the document to him. "They (intelligence officers) found this to be very unacceptable and they thought they needed to alert us. We had to take it to the police to verify it, and so far we are satisfied with the investigation. "The preliminary report shows that this is an authentic document that deserves to be taken seriously. I told the president (on Monday) 'I will give you that report before I take it anywhere else'," Malema said. "There are still concerted efforts to try and discredit the leadership of the ANC and particularly those that are seen to be in the frontline in defence of President Zuma. "We are dealing with a concoction, a mix masala of a political environment which is polluted and people who have resorted to dirty tricks, and these dirty tricks failed before Polokwane and they will fail even now," said Malema. The DA is now likely to raise questions about Malema's claims in Parliament. DA national youth spokesman Khume Ramulifho said Malema's claim was "deeply problematic". "First, if the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is giving its intelligence reports to the head of the ANCYL - a party-political position with absolutely no public duties or functions - this constitutes a fundamental conflation of party and state."
If Malema was referring to "some sort of parallel intelligence structure within the ruling party, this too is deeply problematic", Ramulifho said. The country's intelligence structures had been "systematically warped" to serve a number of political agendas in recent years and the immense power they wielded, the possibilities of abuse and the "highly sensitive issues" they dealt with were all reasons why the intelligence services were run by the state and not political parties, he added.
He would be asking DA MP colleague Theo Coetzee to raise the issue in the joint standing committee on intelligence to establish whether "NIA operatives are handing over secret dossiers to the ANCYL", and if so, whether any action was being taken against them. "One way or another, Julius Malema owes the South African public an explanation," he said.
The department of Police could not confirm yesterday whether the document had indeed been brought to the attention of the SAPS, but this was being investigated. Meanwhile, Young Communist League spokeswoman Gugu Ndima has denied her organisation was plotting against Malema.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Thursday, January 21, 2010
R300m corruption in KZN social department
A forensic investigation commissioned by KwaZulu-Natal's social development department has revealed corruption involving about R300-million, provincial minister Meshack Hadebe said on Wednesday. "I don't want to discuss the content of the report now because there are processes that have to be followed. It is still confidential. I also don't want to discuss it because there are people's bank accounts that have to be frozen,” he told Sapa.
Radebe, who commissioned the investigation, said some senior officials in his department and people outside the department were likely to be arrested or face disciplinary measures. Radebe said he initiated the investigation after he received calls from people complaining about not receiving their grants. He also suspected funds earmarked for NGOs and community-based organisations were not handled properly.
Radebe had briefed Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize about the contents of the report.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Radebe, who commissioned the investigation, said some senior officials in his department and people outside the department were likely to be arrested or face disciplinary measures. Radebe said he initiated the investigation after he received calls from people complaining about not receiving their grants. He also suspected funds earmarked for NGOs and community-based organisations were not handled properly.
Radebe had briefed Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize about the contents of the report.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mkhize reveals KZN Cabinet
KwaZulu-Natal's new premier Zweli Mkhize on Monday announced his new Cabinet.
Lydia Johnson would be MEC for agriculture and environmental affairs.
Wesizwe Thusi would remain MEC for arts, culture, and tourism but would have the added task of sport and recreation. Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development MEC and would also serve as the acting premier. Senzo Mchunu would take over as education MEC, Ina Cronje, is the new finance MEC. Newcomer Sbongiseni Maxwell Dhlomo would take over as health MEC. Peggy Nkonyeni, is the speaker of the KZN legislature.
Maggie Govender would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing. Willies Mchunu, the province's former speaker, would take over as the new MEC for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe would remain social development MEC
Source: News 24
Lydia Johnson would be MEC for agriculture and environmental affairs.
Wesizwe Thusi would remain MEC for arts, culture, and tourism but would have the added task of sport and recreation. Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development MEC and would also serve as the acting premier. Senzo Mchunu would take over as education MEC, Ina Cronje, is the new finance MEC. Newcomer Sbongiseni Maxwell Dhlomo would take over as health MEC. Peggy Nkonyeni, is the speaker of the KZN legislature.
Maggie Govender would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing. Willies Mchunu, the province's former speaker, would take over as the new MEC for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe would remain social development MEC
Source: News 24
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