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Ambassador fingered in R16m graft shocker

MIRIAM SEGABUTLA
MIRIAM SEGABUTLA

FORMER Limpopo MEC for health and social development Miriam Segabutla might be recalled from her ambassadorship post in Cuba to provide answers to why she awarded a tender to her associates under dubious circumstances.

This was after Public Protector Thuli Madonsela recommended that President Jacob Zuma take action against Segabutla for abusing her position to enrich her "friends".

Madonsela was investigating allegations of irregular awarding of tenders in Segabutla's department, in which it was discovered that Segabutla had authorised payment of R16. 5-million to a company for services that were to be rendered for free.

Tsepo Technologies and Tripsen Solutions had asked to do consulting work for the department "for free". The companies belonged to Johnny Lucas and Gert van der Merwe, respectively. Lucas is a long-time friend of Segabutla, while Van der Merwe is her personal lawyer, who also handled the former MEC's divorce case.

Limpopo Entrepreneurs Forum secretary Siviko Mabunda yesterday said they were satisfied with Madonsela's findings but not with her recommendations.

"The recommendations should have included that criminal charges must be instituted against Segabutla so that the government can recoup the money lost."

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