6 April 2006
We wish to re-state our earlier response that Commissioner Mti rejected as
incorrect and unfounded allegation of âconflict of interestâ between his
private business interests that have been appropriately declared to the Public
Service Commission in line with government policy and his mandate to lead the
delivery of Correctional Services. In disputing the allegations Commissioner
Mti said:
âI am the sole owner and director of a dormant company I established
Lionorah Investment Consultancy, which has never had any business transactions.
I have no knowledge of nor am I involved in his (Mr Terrence Anthony Perry)
business ventures.â
The Commissioner also dismissed any association with the two companies
mentioned Sondolo and Phezulu. The Commissioner plays no role in the evaluation
and adjudication of tenders in Correctional Services, and the department has no
reasons to question the Commissioner's bona fides in rejecting allegations of
conflict of interest.
A fact the department wishes to reiterate is that South Africa has
established various institutions aimed at protecting and promoting
constitutional democracy and the accountability of the state and its agencies.
National common good could best be served by supplying information on suspected
wrong doing to structures like the Public Service Commission, Auditor-General,
the Public Protector, Human Rights Commission and the Scorpions. The Department
also has a whistle blowing policy and structures, like the Departmental
Investigation Union (DIU) where such evidence can be submitted, instead of
divisive headline seeking allegations which may have no basis other than
serving the interests of tender loosing companies.
We again appeal to any one with information on any procurement wrong doing
to submit such information to the DIU or our partners the Special Investigation
Unit and the PSC anti-corruption hotline 0800 701 701.
Issued by: Department of Correctional Service
6 April 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Service (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
