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MEC FIRES 9 OFFICIALS OVER CORRUPTION

KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for human settlements and public works Maggie Govender has fired nine officials, including three senior managers, for fraud and corruption.

Govender, who took on the post in May, said the dismissals came after the department undertook strict internal disciplinary procedures.

The three are deputy manager James Dlamini, assistant human resource manager Brian Thabethe and Sfiso Mbhense, a principal officer from the department of public works in Ulundi.

According to Govender only the three have been officially informed about their dismissal while the other six are still to be informed.

"Regarding the others we are not allowed by law to mention their names until they have been informed officially of their dismissal.

"These officials were fired after being found guilty of nepotism and bribery," she said.

The fired officials failed in their appeal against the departmental findings.

Govender said the charges against the other six included tender rigging, fraud and corruption.

Govender said "literally millions of rands" were being wasted as a result of corrupt or fraudulent practices in tendering and procurement.

"This must be reported so that the perpetrators can be brought to book.

"Since coming into office about three months ago I have sanctioned the dismissal of the nine officials for fraudulent activities, including accepting bribes, and there are about 27 officials who have been charged with subsidy fraud."

Govender said she would pursue a clean administration in her department and urged members of the public to report all transgressions to her office.

"I am committed to stamping out such practices and have instituted an Asikhulume (Let us speak) link on the KZN department of public works website where the public can report such matters directly to my department."

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