The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants any information or evidence of Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi's alleged tender interference for "further prosecution".

On Sunday, City Press reported that Lesufi, also the African National Congress deputy chairperson in Gauteng, is heard on a recording of a meeting with his team where his department's tenders were discussed.

Lesufi reportedly said about the awarding of tenders that "our people should be satisfied… and looked after".

He also said when tenders are advertised, there should be communication about it among his people.

Lesufi rejected the report as misleading and denied that the meeting was secret. He further said the recording had been tampered with.

He claimed there are "forces at play" who want to assassinate his character for political gain.

'System of patronage'

This, while the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating Covid-19-related tenders in Gauteng, including R431-million spent on sanitising, deep cleaning, and decontaminating schools in the province.

News about this broke in January, at which time Lesufi said not one friend, family member, or close comrade of his benefitted from these contracts.

The Economic Freedom Fighters called for Lesufi's removal on Sunday.

On Tuesday, DA Gauteng spokesperson for education, Khume Ramulifho, said in a statement that the DA in Gauteng is calling on people "to bring forward any information and evidence on MEC Panyaza Lesufi's alleged tender interference to the DA for further prosecution".

Ramulifho said: 

The meeting, which was held in May 2020, clearly indicates that the ANC's system of patronage is still alive and well, and that Lesufi himself seemingly has no objection in facilitating such patronage to certain individuals.

"The DA will continue pursuing this matter, to ensure if there was any wrongdoing by Lesufi, that he face the necessary consequences."