/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo notes with concern that the Special Investigation Unit (HAWKS) yesterday confirmed an investigation into Limpopo Premier, Stan Mathabatha.

The DA has hitherto abstained from commenting on the allegations made by NEHAWU on criminal activities in the Office of the Premier, but the confirmation by the HAWKS has changed our course.

The allegations are based on Premier Mathabatha’s lack of acting against tender irregularities and allegations of malfeasance  in his office.

We call on Premier Mathabatha to be transparent and to disclose all companies that were awarded contracts by his office for the last 3 years, including their board of directors, value of each contracts, the service being provided and the status of the contracts.

This information pertains to the use of public money in the highest office in the province and it should be easily accessible for scrutiny.

The Premier’s reluctance to hold officials in his office to account is cause for concern.

The PPE tenders from March to June 2020 in Limpopo amount to R728 886 272 and is fraught with corruption allegations.

Premier Mathabatha did request the HAWKS to investigate the Departments of Health, Education and Cooperative Governance, who received the lion share of the Covid 19 procurement allocation.

There is no doubt that, with the confirmation of an investigation into the Premier, there is a clear conflict of interest which has the potential to derail the investigations into the PPE looting.

The DA calls on Premier Mathabatha to protect the integrity of his office and to go on special leave until the investigation against him is finalised.

The DA is the only party that is serious about fighting corruption and to ensure that all public funds are spent to benefit the people.

Issued by DA