JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has ordered the KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka to take disciplinary action against officials involved in the irregular awarding and extension of contracts.
The deals involve a R2.5-million contract for chemical toilets.
According to the corruption watchdogs, this judgment follows an investigation into the procurement of 72 chemical toilets for schools in KwaZulu-Natal in June 2020.
The investigation found that the contract, valued at R2,538,000.00, was awarded without any competitive bidding process.
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Furthermore, investigations revealed that 16 officials from the Department of Education failed to follow mandatory supply chain management processes.
At the same time, it found that Hawulethu (Pty) Ltd was contacted and delivered goods before being formally appointed as a service provider, and that the company overcharged by more than 100 %.
The SIU says it will continue to investigate and litigate against maladministration and corruption in state institutions.
These investigation processes are in line with its mandate to protect public resources and hold accountable those responsible for irregularities.