MEC launches probe into alleged corruption

 A high level investigation has been launched into alleged corruption at the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) and abuse by staffers of beneficiaries of government poverty alleviation work opportunity programmes.

This was announced by the MEC for Infrastructure development‚ Nandi Mayathula-Khoza‚ at a portfolio committee sitting at the Gauteng Legislature on Friday.

Mayathula-Khoza apologised to alleged victims‚ who claimed that they were not being paid regularly‚ promised work but later left in the lurch as the work was given to “pals or relatives” of department staffers. 

The programmes involved include the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)‚ Zivuseni and the National Youth Service (NYS)‚ all programmes targeted at benefiting Gauteng’s most vulnerable communities‚ according to Mbangwa Xaba‚ spokesperson for the MEC.

“The poor amongst us have been grateful about how these programme are bringing food on the table to many families. This initiative cannot be trashed just like that. It is not part of the policy of the African National Congress Government. If there are people who go about exploiting our people in this manner‚ let us deal with them. Please Chairperson leave this matter to me and the Premier to deal with it. I will revert back to you and we will find the culprits and we will take action‚” Mayathula-Khoza told the portfolio committee.

The MEC asked complainants to submit evidence and lay charges and she assured them protection and anonymity.

She mentioned Orange Farm where allegations of non-payment and abuse of workers were claimed to be rife.

“Chairperson I apologise to each and everyone for their sorrow. This is not how our government treats the people. On Tuesday at 2pm I will be at Orange Farm to hear first hand from each and everyone as to what is happening. Nobody has a right to harass anybody or ill-treat our people. It is not enough that we have apologised. We will make sure that these matters are dealt with fully. Someone must lay a charge and someone must bring evidence. Without evidence it is difficult to take. A full investigation will and must be conducted and it would be done by experts outside GDID‚” she said.