EDUCATION MEC MUST MAKE FIVAZ REPORTS PUBLIC

The Democratic Alliance is calling on Gauteng Education MEC, Barbara Creecy, to make public former police commissioners George Fivaz's progress reports into the alleged fraud of R20 million worth of school subsidies.

Last year Fivaz was appointed to investigate alleged subsidy fraud after a priest was arrested for embezzling state funds. About R20-million was allocated to the priest to run two schools. However, the schools face closure after it emerged they did not adhere to certain regulations.

In October last year the DA tabled probing questions in the Gauteng Legislature regarding this matter, yet the MEC avoided the questions indicating that there will be a commission to investigate.

After the MEC stated that the Fivaz commission will supply the Department with progress reports on a three-weekly basis the DA called for the MEC to present the Education portfolio committee with a progress report.

However, the Education committee has not been informed yet on any progress relating to this matter.

Details of the investigation are needed to assess the weakness of financial systems in the Department and it is in the interest of the public that these details are unrestricted.

We need to know the exact amount of money that was embezzled, the names of the officials involved and what actions are being taken against the guilty parties.

Details of the full investigation are needed to ensure good governance and the public should not be denied any information in this matter.

Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho, MPL, DA Gauteng Education Spokesman, March 19 2012

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