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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes a decision by the Auditor-General (AG) to put a halt to fraudulent contracts awarded for library books and services by the provincial Department of Arts and Culture (DoAC).

The move comes after the DA, earlier this year, revealed that numerous companies awarded 36-month tenders to supply books to KZN libraries were not in fact book sellers. Meanwhile, a breakdown of those who received the contracts – which is available on the DoAC website – shows that of the 17 companies who were awarded tenders, only two are legitimate booksellers.

The AG’s stance has vindicated our ongoing concerns. The DA has raised red flags over these tender irregularities right from the start. Yet, despite having presented our own findings to then Premier, Sihle Zikalala, his erstwhile Arts and Culture MEC, Hlengiwe Mavimbela and her former HOD, Nontokozo Chonco, nothing was done.

Some of the information exposed by the DA includes the fact that two booksellers – Logan’s Bookshop and RC Booksellers - a spinoff of Durban-based Vuga Books, are also registered at the same address and operated by family members. Following this disclosure, these booksellers tried to intimidate the DA with Civil Action but quickly back pedalled when we took them on in the Durban High Court.

Further information on the DoAC website shows that the following companies were awarded book tenders;
• PSN Travel Frenzy which is a travel agency;
• Siyami Consulting, which is involved in farming;
• Sidakeni Pty Ltd which has previously been awarded KZN government tenders relating to plumbing;
• Aziye Solutions PTY LTD – which has previously been awarded tenders by KZN’s Department of Health;
• Mighty Construction and Project Management which is involved in the construction industry; and
• Sdadoms Investment, Dufloma PTY, Lombez Projects and Siphindlela Majojobela PTY LTD, all of which have been linked to previously supplying soil, trees, seeds and seedlings to KZN’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

Other companies listed which could not be traced by the DA include;
• Vegas book sellers PTY LTD;
• Emangunezini Trading;
• Zamimpilo Development Trading;
• Abaphathimbemali Trading;
• Izimtombizamankomose Trading; and
• Bhekabathiya Trading.

Regrettably, this fraudulent activity as a result of DoAC incompetence has already impacted KZN’s people given that there have not been any library books purchased in the last three years. With the exposure of the tender irregularities and the AG’s clampdown, there will now be further delays in securing books.

The DA will today submit a parliamentary question (view here) aimed at establishing the DoAC’s plan from here. We expect action and severe consequences for those who were behind the irregularities. In the event that there are any findings of criminal elements, charges must be laid against those officials.

We reiterate our call to new MEC, Amanda Bani-Mapena and Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube to act on these findings and hold those responsible accountable. The time has come to show their value and rid this Department of all fraudulent activities. The people of KZN must always come first.

Issued by Bradley Singh, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Sports, Arts and Culture