A FORENSIC investigation in to the affairs of the Jozini Municipality has found ‘serious acts of fraud and corruption.’
‘The long-awaited forensic report into allegations of tender irregularities, corruption and nepotism is now before the Jozini Council and the ball is in its court,’ said KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nomusa Dube-Ncube. ‘We expect nothing less than swift implementation of the report’s recommendations,’ she said.
Appointed to investigate these allegations, Deloite, an independent forensic firm, focused on the most serious allegations, including the awarding of a tender for solar high mast lights, the awarding of a contract to conduct OPMS at Jozini Municipality, and over-expenditure on renovations to community halls.
The acts of fraud and corruption documented in the report include the Jozini Municipal Manager’s business partner benefitting from tenders, no declaration of fiscal interest by officials, senior officials giving work to companies without capacity or liquid cash in their bank accounts, staff approving advance payment for work not done, and contracts concluded and funds paid, but service level agreements only signed after payments.
The investigation also found that staff failed to properly manage the co-operatives project and flouted processes and SCM regulations.
Funds were paid to organisations without assessing capacity or value for money. According to COGTA, these deliberate acts of misconduct may have prejudiced the municipality by irregular expenditure valued at an estimated R92-million.
‘The findings are proof that this investigation was conducted without fear or favour and our appeal now to the Jozini Council is to consider the report and action recommendations within 21 days in a process, which COGTA will monitor very closely,’ said Dube-Ncube.
