KWAZULU-NATAL premier and ANC provincial chairperson Zweli Mkhize yesterday denied weekend reports that he had any influence in the government tenders received by his family members.

Mkhize hit back at the report that there had been a conflict of interest in how his wife, May Mashego, and daughter Nokulinda, landed a tender from a government department recently.

The Sunday Tribune alleged that they had secured government tenders worth R3million.

Mkhize disputed this, saying that Bookize - the company at which his wife and daughter are directors - has been granted a tender by the Correctional Services Department. He said because this tender was with a national government department, his office could not have influenced the decision.

Mkhize stressed that his wife has, for a long time, operated her own businesses and organisations without his assistance.

"When Nokulinda expressed her interest in getting involved in business, it was undoubtedly wise for her mother to assist her.

"At no point has this entity secured work through 'connections' as none of its business transactions have been at a provincial level where I hold the premier's office. I was never involved in any of the business activities of the company," he said.