A company with links to the Jacob G Zuma Foundation was paid almost R78 million over two years to train the still incompetent Community Development Project (CDP) roadcontractors in the Free State.

In a written reply to a DA parliamentary question, Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, revealed that Nexor 312 (Pty) Ltd t/a VNA Consulting were contracted by the Free State provincial Department of Police, Roads and Transport for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years.

In 2014 VNA Consulting, belonging to Durban businessman Vikash Narsai, was paid R17 million upfront to build 1000 low-cost houses in Vrede in the Free State. On the same day, the company transferred R250 000 to the Sizakele Zuma Foundation headed by former president Jacob Zuma's eldest wife, Sizakele "MaKumalo". In total, the foundation received nearly R345 000 directly linked to the housing deal.

According to the Zondo Commission’s first report, the Jacob G Zuma Foundation also received R1,8 million in 2015 which can be traced to VNA Consulting.

Between the 2019/20 and 2021/22 financial years, a total of more than R695 million was paid to CDP contractors for substandard work on Free State roads signed off by unqualified engineers employed by the provincial roads department.

This is another example of how the ANC and its cadres have captured the Free State at the expense of our local economy and human lives on our provincial roads. The DA will compile all the evidence with the intention of referring it to law enforcement agencies for possible criminal investigation.

 

Issued by George Michalakis MP - DA Spokesperson on Security and Justice in the NCOP