The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has undertaken to be transparent and declassify all records of disciplinary hearings faced by its senior officials accused of wrongdoing, such as fraud and corruption.
That would be done once the high profile cases have been finalised and the records would be made available to the public to scrutinize.
This decision was announced during a press conference in Durban addressed by MEC Martin Meyer and Acting Head of Department (HoD), Vish Govender, on Tuesday (January 21).
“In light of public interest, I have taken the decision that when the time is right and all these matters have been concluded, I will be declassifying those files and making them open and available to the public. We remain committed to making KZN Public Works and Infrastructure work for the public, once again,” said Meyer.
Currently, several officials, including HoD Siboniso Majola, are on suspension and are being probed for alleged fraud and corruption.
Some are already facing disciplinary hearings while others like former supply chain management (SCM) Director, Musa Zondi (who is also a senior ANC member in KwaDukuza), have been fired. The department has also reported them to the SAPS for further criminal investigations and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, Meyer has vowed that he would continue to clamp down on corruption even when those who are fingered and their political proxies maliciously call that a witch hunt instead of accounting for their deeds.
“Despite attempts by some to defend the wrongdoings by calling this a witch-hunt, as KZN Public Works we cannot turn a blind eye if we want to make this department work for the people of KZN and turn this province into one big construction site.
“With that said, the Department has successfully implemented the recommendations from 10
forensic investigations conducted by the Office of the Premier (OTP). As a result, 35
disciplinary actions have been taken, ranging from written warnings to suspensions without pay.
“Four disciplinary matters are ongoing, and six additional forensic investigations are currently underway under the OTP, with final reports pending,” Meyer added.
