Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
16 November 2023 | 20:13 CAT

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The DA has formally requested the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) to probe three separate issues of alleged corruption within KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC). The request was made during a meeting with SIU members in Durban on November 14, with the DA handing over a dossier to support the numerous claims.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Bradley Singh, MPL – DA KZN Spokesperson Sports, Arts and Culture, highlighted the gist of the allegations.

The first of the issues relates to a R4 million payment by the department to DJ Linda Sibiya in 2017 – for an event that never took place.

“Since he was a card-carrying ANC member at the time, the department took no action to recover the money with the matter only coming to light after he ditched the ANC,” Singh said.

The second issue relates to the department’s ‘booze bash’ – held under the guise of a Beads and Multi Genre Music Festival earlier this year. The incident saw officials blow a whopping R7 million on alcohol and another so-called festival event at Durban’s ICC. Video evidence clearly shows officials and family members partying at taxpayers’ cost.

The third issue handed over to the SIU relates to former MEC Amanda Bani-Mapena’s tenure. According to information received by the DA, she brought in three additional staff members as consultants – despite the positions already being filled – whose salaries were then allegedly paid into an official private account.

This violates the Ministry handbook and the Office of the Premier (OTP) directive not to hire consultants.

The DA stated that DSAC’s history is littered with claims of corruption. In 2022, the DA laid complaints against the department with the SIU. We have now received confirmation that those investigations await a final proclamation from the President’s office to proceed.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Uo with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.