Official cleared of graft

17 June 2010 - 02:00
By Sne Masuku

THE KwaZulu-Natal department of education superintendent general has been cleared of allegations of corruption.

Cassius Lubisi, pictured, is one of four top managers in the department who were being investigated on allegations including corruption totalling R80million

Education MEC Senzo Mchunu yesterday said a forensic auditor's investigation has found nothing against Lubisi.

"He is therefore cleared of the allegations against him."

In 2009, the South African Democratic Teachers' Union made allegations that the top management of the department was corrupt.

In a number of demonstrations that the union held at the department headquarters in Pietermaritzburg it called for the axing of top officials including Lubisi, senior manager in the human resources department Lulama Mbobo, and Umlazi district director Mlu Ntombela.

"In line with the provincial government resolve on corruption, we decided to investigate all allegations made. The public was invited to make submissions on any irregular and corrupt activities they were aware of in the department," Mchunu said.

The investigation focused on allegations of corruption in relation to learner-transportation in Umlazi, that some service providers were receiving unfair advantage, cleaning and security services and irregular appointment of service providers.

Lubisi may be off the hook, but several top officials could face disciplinary action and criminal charges.

Mchunu said he could not name the officials until they were charged.