Tensions rise in KwaZulu-Natal government over corruption allegations, transport department in the crosshairs

Tensions escalated within the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government circles this week following damning statements made by Finance MEC Francois Rodgers against his counterpart, Transport and Human Settlement MEC Siboniso Duma.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Rodgers accused Duma's department of being riddled with corruption, even hinting at the possibility of placing it under administration.

Such was the level of corruption allegations that it compelled Rodgers' department to stall the awarding of the scholar transport tender.

“There’s a committee called the bid appeal tribunal, which I have appointed. If there’s any problem with bids or tenders, you can appeal to that body,” he explained.

He indicated that the findings of two reports related to tender awards were currently under scrutiny. In adding to the gravity of his accusations, Rodgers pointed fingers at the department officials and criticised their longstanding habits of unchecked authority.

“That is a habit that needs to be done away with,” he asserted.

Rodgers revealed plans for an electronic system to manage supply chain processes within the department, suggesting it would bring much-needed transparency and accountability.

The finance MEC's allegations were not the only matter that has caused consternation for Duma; he has also been criticised by the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU).

The union lambasted Duma for his apparent neglect in communicating with them regarding significant operational issues affecting its members, which they claimed were hindering essential service delivery.

Nthabeleng Molefe, the provincial secretary of POPCRU, recently expressed her frustrations and noted Duma’s unwillingness to engage with them on urgent matters.

“The MEC for Transport has continuously refused to meet with POPCRU to address urgent issues affecting both our members and the broader state of law enforcement in the province,” Molefe said. She flagged the lack of communication regarding operational changes within the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Shanela PTES as particularly concerning matters that have led to performance inefficiencies.

Molefe warned, “Without proper leadership and stakeholder consultation, road safety in the province remains at serious risk.”

The apparent crisis has reportedly caught the attention of the Office of the Premier, where POPCRU's complaints were acknowledged but not adequately responded to, further intensifying frustrations among the union’s members.

In light of the escalating tensions, Molefe made an urgent plea for intervention from the Premier, calling for accountability and better communication from Duma's department. 

She said: “We demand urgent intervention from the Premier to resolve these issues and restore proper leadership, accountability, and consultation within the department.”

In response to the allegations and the mounting pressure, MEC Duma's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, challenged the claims made by POPCRU regarding their requests for meetings.

He indicated that a meeting with the union would be scheduled soon.

“The MEC believes that such a meeting must be speeded up,” Sibiya said, highlighting the importance of collaborating with organised labour.

Questions were sent to Duma regarding the claims made by Rodgers, but a response has not been received.

DAILY NEWS