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The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for urgent transparency on the Mpumalanga vaccine roll-out plan, following serious allegations that a company linked to Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane was awarded distribution tenders.

Although the Premier has refuted the allegations – including that any of her family members were involved with Jova Vaccine Supply – the Premier must provide the DA and the South African public with proof of her innocence. The DA therefore demands a detailed provincial roll-out plan, which will contain the names and directors of any companies that are contracted, or are in the process of being contracted to distribute or administer the vaccines in Mpumalanga.

The Premier cannot merely refute the claims levelled against her as the allegations around a tender of R200 million is serious and demands full transparency. The DA can confirm Jova Vaccine Supply, K2021362790, was only registered as a Private Company on 29 January 2021, just three days before the Covid-19 vaccines arrived in South Africa from India. This on its own is suspicious and it is crucial that Mtshweni-Tsipane plays open cards and release a transparent vaccine roll-out plan.

Additionally, Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane must make sure that the provincial roll-out plan clearly identifies vaccination sites, available budget and a transparent and cost-sharing agreement between public and private sectors. This is the only way the people of Mpumalanga can be satisfied that every tender and contract is above board.

We will closely monitor Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane’s next move in response to her alleged links to Jova Vaccine Supply. Mtshweni-Tsipane, not wearing a mask during the funeral for the late Jackson Mthembu, is already guilty of neglecting her own government's lockdown rules. The DA will not hesitate to call for her removal from office if she fails to be transparent over the latest allegations.

Issued by The DA