THE Democratic Alliance has called for all KwaZulu-Natal government tenders over the past five years to be placed under the microscope, in a bid to bring about the wholesale clear-out of corrupt officials and politicians within the province.

"We need to see an independent enquiry in order to establish any further instances of collusion and political meddling, as witnessed in the cases of the Intaka and Bombey Chitey tenders.  The DA views the modus operandi, used in the securing of these two tenders, as one and the same.  There needs to be a full and urgent investigation into whether this was an established strategy, used by the ANC in this province, and whether there are other instances where government tenders have been awarded based on party political favours," said DA KZN leader in the legislature, John Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen said his party viewed newspaper allegations, linking KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize to the Intaka R200 million tender, in a very serious light.  "The Premier needs to urgently clarify the situation with regard to his involvement.  It is not possible for him to lead our province and to take a strong line against corruption, when he has such serious allegations hanging over his own head."

Steenhuisen also called on the Premier to support Private Members Legislation, proposed by the DA earlier in the year, aimed at regulating the issue of government employees doing business with the province.  "With this legislation in place, the questionable activities of Sipho Shabalala and others would have been unearthed a lot sooner.  It is the first step towards accountability and transparency at provincial government level and needs to be processed without delay."

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen, MPP, leader of the Democratic Alliance in the KZN legislature, September 6 2010

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