TRIBUNE REPORTER

ACTIONSA has written to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, urging him to investigate Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on various allegations levelled against them.

The DA has also joined the fray and asked the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gqurube to take over the R2.9 billion National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). 

The party also welcomed the commitment by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, to initiate a preliminary investigation following serious allegations of corruption implicating Hlomuka and several ANC-linked figures within the administration of the NSNP.

Simelane is facing allegations of abuse of power and interfering in the abrupt termination of Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s contract.

The allegations surfaced earlier this week, and KZN Health was swift in quelling the rumours, issuing a statement after hours on Monday distancing the MEC from the allegations, adding that as a woman she would never do such a thing against another woman.

Ngobese-Zuma is the founder of the anti-illegal immigration movement, March and March, which has had a few brushes with the health department over the members of the movement blocking undocumented immigrants from accessing public healthcare facilities.

 ActionSA leader in KZN, Zwakele Mncwango, said the premier shouldn’t hide behind the deals of the government of provincial unity (GPU) to drag his feet at launching an investigation against the MECs.

Hlomuka is embroiled in the school nutrition tender of his department, with his wife’s company being one of the chosen bidders to supply food at various schools.

“We are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the serious allegations of irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power within the Department of Health and Education. These allegations undermine the public’s trust in the provincial department and its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency,” reads ActionSA’s letter.

“Specifically the allegations against the MEC of Health regarding the abuse of power in relation to Vuma FM and the presenter Jacinta Ngobese, as well as the allegations of interference in the tender process for the nutrition programme by the MEC of Education, are grave and require immediate attention.

“It is particularly concerning that you have remained silent on these matters, despite your previous rhetoric on issues such as illegal immigration. Notably, Jacinta Ngobese has been a vocal advocate against illegal immigration, and it is alarming that she is allegedly being victimised for her stance. Your silence on this matter raises questions about your commitment to protecting those who speak out against issues you have publicly condemned.”

Vuma FM issued a statement yesterday denying the Health MEC’s involvement in the termination of Ngobese-Zuma’s contract; however, just last month the station unveiled its new lineup with her still being the presenter of the midmorning show, The Cruise.

The allegation was that Simelane had threatened to pull out all Department of Health advertising from the station, and she would also encourage other departments to do the same if Ngobese-Zuma was not removed.

Yesterday, the Health MEC was on Ukhozi FM and clarified that the March and March movement, like every person, has a right to protest; however, every person in South Africa has a right to access health services if they are sick.

She said her department can’t turn away sick people from their facilities regardless of their immigration status, as it would open floodgates of legal action against the department.

Simelane explained their conundrum as the department on undocumented immigrants citing the example of turning away a TB patient and the ripple effect it would have on them travelling by taxis and infecting other passengers who in turn infect others. She said there are discussions underway at the national level on a plan to have the immigrants’ countries of origin help South Africa fund their healthcare.

The DA’s spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, who’s also a member of the provincial legislature, said, “In the event that the allegations prove true, MEC Sipho Hlomuka must be removed from office without delay. Corruption cannot be tolerated at the expense of hungry children and the future of our province.”

And businesses that operate under the NSNP have also complained about irregularities and favouritism in the bidding process.

The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, said, “The process is underway and has not been finalised for anyone to cry foul.”

He said they have no knowledge of these allegations, and those bidders who feel aggrieved know the relevant platform where to report their allegations. 

The programme has always had challenges like budget constraints and payment delays to service providers.

Yesterday the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, in a statement, welcomed Vuma FM’s clarification on Ngobese-Zuma’s contract and said this should put to bed the unfounded allegations against Simelane.

On the issue of the nutrition tender, the ANC said, “The ANC understands that this process is at an appeal stage where those who have made bids and seek to appeal must forward their appeals to the Treasury Department. The ANC has full confidence that the provincial government has adequate capacity to handle appeals in a just and transparent manner.”

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