The IFP has challenged the Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Lydia Johnson to explain why MPLs were not informed about the allegations of corruption involving the irregular award of tenders in the KZN Legislature.
“We want to know why we were not told about these allegations and have to find out about them in the media. As MPLs who are tasked with the oversight not only of the executive but also of officials in all departments, as well as the legislature staff. The Speaker must come clean and tell us what is going on within these hallowed walls. How we can work in a place rife with corruption and hidden secrets? These claims of corruption levelled against certain legislature staff are of major concern. As MPLs we have a right to know if there is something wrong. We are not convinced that the Speaker knew nothing about these allegations. We will ask questions and demand answers,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL.
“We are not going to tolerate civil and public servants who engage in corrupt deals. Public servants should strive to exercise accountability in their duties.
There is an entrenched group of officials that has for far too long had a firm grip on government tenders. They are so deep in government that nothing can happen without them having their hands on it,” continued Mr Gwala.
“We are further calling for an outright ban on civil servants doing business with the state, a cooling off period when an individual moves from the public to private sector and prohibiting the re-employment within state departments of an individual who is fired for corruption-related activities,” concluded Mr Gwala.
The IFP calls for the urgent suspension of the Secretary of the Legislature, Nerusha Naidoo pending the investigations. In addition, all those involved in these allegations, including the business owners who have benefited in the irregular awarding of tenders must be brought to book.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala, IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, 078 290 5842
For Media Enquiries:
IFP KZN Legislature Media Liaison Officer, Mr Phendulani Biyase, 073 024 5675
