Soundbite by Stephen Moore MP.
Following a DA request to investigate mismanagement at the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, Water Minister Pemmy Majodina has announced an independent forensic and legal probe. See her letter here.
This follows:
- R200 000 spent on first class travel for a staff member to attend the New York City Marathon;
- Excessive board fees of R2.6 million; alleged conflicts of interest, after a legal firm hired by the Board was linked to the Chair’s daughter;
- The compliance officer which sought to stop the R200 000 New York trip was suspended, which was thrown out by the KZN High Court; and
- Further reports of a company linked to a board member receiving a contract to build an 8km water pipeline meant to cost R80m, which has since ballooned to nearly R400m.
The Minister had previously committed to the investigation, which is now finally underway. While this is a welcome step for KwaZulu-Natal residents, key details remain unclear, including which legal firm has been appointed, the scope of its mandate, and the timeline for completion. These details are essential to ensure transparency.
The DA’s request remains that the investigation be fully transparent, with the terms of reference, appointed investigators, timelines, and a commitment to publish the report made public to bring South Africans into the Minister’s confidence.
The DA also notes the findings against Mr K Shandu, who wrongly served as both a board member and Board Chair. He has since been asked to provide reasons on why his board membership should not be terminated. The DA will follow up on this disciplinary process.
The DA will not allow for constitutional rights like the provision of water to be mismanaged for self gain. Working for a government entity is a privilege and not an entitlement.