A high level investigation is on the cards at the Gauteng Infrastructure Development (GDID) after allegations of the corruption and abuse of beneficiaries of government poverty alleviation work opportunities programmes by staffers.
The GDID MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza announced as she apologised to the victims during the Infrastructure Portfolio Committee sitting at the Gauteng Legislature on Friday.
The victims claimed that they were not being paid regularly, promised work by later left in lurch as the work was given to pals or relatives of department’s staffers. This happened at the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Zivuseni and the National youth Service (NYS) all of which are targeted to benefit Gauteng’s most vulnerable communities.
“The poor amongst us have been grateful about how these programmes are bringing food on the table to many families. This initiative cannot be trashed just like that. It is not part of the policy of the African National Congress Government. If there are people who go about exploiting our people in this manner, let us deal with them. Please Chairperson, leave this matter to me and the Premier to deal with it. I will revert back to you and we will find the culprits and we will take action, “a visibly upset Mayathula-Khoza said.
The MEC asked complainants to submit evidence and lay charges and she assured the victims of protection and anonymity. She reacted rather strongly on reports of from Orange Farm where allegations of non-payment and abuse if workers were said to be rife.
“Chairperson I apologise to each and every one for their sorrow. This is not how our government treats the people. On Tuesday at 2pm I will be at Orange Farm to hear first-hand from each and every one as to what is happening. Nobody has a right to harass anybody or ill-treat our people. It is not enough that we have apologised.
We will make sure that these matters are dealt with fully. Someone must lay a charge and someone must bring evidence. Without evidence it is difficult to take. A full investigation will must be conducted and it would be done by experts outside GDID,” she said.
The MEC was at the legislature to table the Department’s quarterly report as well as update the Portfolio Committee on this job creation and poverty alleviation work when stakeholder at the meeting raised concerns of abuse by GDID staffers, corruption and nepotism.
The Portfolio Committee noted some of the achievements of the GDID in this quarter in the areas of radical economic transformation as follows:
- 75% Contracts awarded to Gauteng Service Providers (Local content).
- 80% Contracts awarded to Gauteng Service Providers (Local content).
- 94.05% SMME benefiting from total procurement.
- 85% procurement spent on black owned companies.
- 97.45% procurement spent on black owned companies.
- 35% procurement spent on black women owned companies.
- 39.69% procurement spent on black women owned companies.
On the capital works, the department reported progress on the conversion of 1800 classrooms in 375 schools into smart classrooms and the complestion of the planning phase of the construction of three new clinics (Dewaggensdrift, Kekana Gardens and Kekanastad).
Also completed is the planning of three other new NHI clinics (Phedisong Clinic, New Eesterus Clinic and Bophelong Clinic) will be finalised in Q as well as the renovations and addition to 6 clinics (Mandisa Shiceka CHC, Dark city, Enkangala CHC, KT Motubatse CHC, Pretoria north clinic and Phedisong four CHC have been approved.
Enquiries:
Mbangwa Xaba
MEC Mayathula-Khoza Spokesperson
Cell: 072 447 6582
Email: mbangwa.xaba@gauteng.gov.za.
