20250123 100027

Ntshavheni under Hawks Investigation for Tender Corruption

GENERAL NEWSCRIMEPOLITICS
1000625824
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at a post-cabinet media briefing in Cape Town, 2024. (Photo credits: @Khu_Ntshavheni on “X”)

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is under investigation by the Hawks over allegations of corruption involving a R2,5 million tender awarded during her time as Municipal manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in 2009.

The investigation follows claims that Ntshavheni irregularly granted the contract to Makwande Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors for compiling the municipality’s 2008/09 financial statements. The initial contract, valued at R584,000 reportedly went up to R2,3 million under questionable circumstances.

In 2020, Judge Gerrit Muller of the High Court in Polokwane described the events centering the tender as “repugnant and devastating”, leading to a referral to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further investigation. Reportedly, Hawks have concluded their investigation and handed over the case to the NPA for prosecution.

In response, opposition parties have intensified their demands for accountability. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Ntshavheni from her ministerial position.

It is, as you are aware, the firm view of the Democratic Alliance that no minister who is accused of corruption should retain their seat in Cabinet. Retaining a minister tainted by allegations of corruption and malfeasance in her post is damaging to the integrity of the President and undermines public trust.

Similarly, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticised the prolonged investigation and accused the President of shielding Ntshavheni due to their close political relationship. The EFF referred to Ntshavheni’s historical involvement in other controversies, including her tenure at Denel during the state capture period , and her current oversight of the State Security Agency amidst rising national security concerns.

Ntshavheni’s case is currently under review by the NPA for a decision on prosecution.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *