Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
25 January 2025 |11:00 CAT
2 min read

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is taking steps to address the challenges it faces, including corruption allegations, irregular procurement processes, and the recovery of R1.1 billion lost through irregular contracts. MEC Martin Meyer acknowledged the department’s troubled reputation on Radio Islam International, stating that corruption remains a major challenge within government departments.

“Unfortunately, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, being a department that is majorly involved with tenders and contracts, has got a very bad image out there in the public,” Meyer said. Upon taking office last year, he committed, alongside department officials, to cleaning up the department and rebuilding public trust.

One of the key reforms has been the recording of all bid committee meetings. “We instituted that all our bid committee meetings are now recorded, both audio-visually. Those recordings are kept, and that has already made a significant impact on how we do things,” Meyer explained. Additionally, the department has implemented previously neglected forensic reports, leading to the suspension and dismissal of senior officials. “We are doing everything in our power to make sure that Public Works does one thing and one thing only, and that is serve the public of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The staggering figure of R1.1 billion lost through irregular contracts highlights the severity of the issue. Meyer highlighted the challenges of recovering this money, given the department’s limited annual budget of R1.7 billion. “We have done all our internal investigations regarding the specific case. There are a few matters still outstanding, so we are investigating every one of the 29 specific contracts individually now. But we are not an agency that is able to criminally investigate,” he said.

To pursue these matters further, the department has approached the Hawks, who are providing regular feedback on their investigations. “Once the Hawks have finished the investigation, we will then approach the National Prosecuting Authority and see what of these monies we will be able to recoup. We will definitely try everything in our power,” Meyer assured. He emphasised the importance of accountability, noting that corruption is not a victimless crime. “It is the most vulnerable that suffers through corruption.”

In addressing irregularities in the bidding and tender processes, the department has introduced various reforms. He elaborated on these measures: “We set up a specific room within our head office, where there is audio-visual recording happening of all our bid adjudication committee meetings, and AI and all other kinds of new technologies are being used. Since we implemented this process, we have not had one of our bids go to appeal.” He added that the department is also moving toward electronic documentation to reduce opportunities for tampering and fraud. “We are turning to technology mostly to see if we can use technology to the benefit of the people of the province.”

Transparency remains a cornerstone of the department’s efforts, though Meyer acknowledged the delicate balance needed in ongoing investigations. “We have been very careful with what information we hand out because we do not want this to harm the investigations. We also firmly believe in the principle of innocent until proven guilty, so we do not want people to be judged in the court of public opinion,” Meyer said. However, once investigations are complete, forensic reports will be declassified and made public. “We believe that we are the custodians of the people’s properties and money, and therefore, we have to account to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.”

Collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit and other agencies, such as the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, has been critical in tackling corruption. “The Hawks are very involved in these investigations. They report to us regularly and are in regular contact with us,” he said. He praised the political will demonstrated at both national and provincial levels to address corruption and other challenges.

Meyer called on South Africans to join the fight against corruption. “When we stood together, we managed to overcome one of the most evil regimes in the world, in the apartheid regime, and we can do it again if we stand together,” he stated. He emphasised the role of whistleblowing and collective action in turning the country around.

In his closing message to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, Meyer acknowledged the long road ahead but urged collaboration. “We want the people of KwaZulu-Natal to take hands with us in the department, with us in the GPU, and walk this road with us. I know it could be frustrating at some times because we cannot turn things around overnight, but please walk this road with us.”

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and DPWI MEC Martin Meyer, here.