Mpisane probe must proceed without interference

7 February 2013

THE Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal calls for investigations into Durban businesswoman, Shawn Mpisane to be conducted without any form of interference, both politically or otherwise (see Daily News report).

The appeal comes as Mpisane is due to appear in court today on charges of having unlawfully secured government contracts worth R140 million through the KZN Human Settlements department by submitting false and forged documents.  The result of the misrepresentations led to Mpisane's company Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport securing five contracts, namely Truro house offices, Mbhekaphansi Clinic, Emolweni Primary School, Inanda Clinic and Clairwood Hospital.

The DA has long held suspicions over Zikhulise's uncanny ability to win major provincial government contracts in spite of severe criticism over shoddy workmanship. We have also expressed our discontent over Zikhulise consistently being awarded major tenders, to the detriment of other emerging contractors.

The DA welcomes the announcement of a probe into the awarding of these tenders.  While we are not in favour of a "trial by media", we will continue to monitor the process as the investigation gets underway.  Our primary oversight objective is to ensure that there is no undue influence and that the findings are made without fear or favour.

The DA also notes recent allegations of price fixing between construction companies.  This cannot be ignored and we will request that the Competitions Commission investigate whether there was indeed collusion.

Statement issued by George Mari, MPP, DA KZN Spokesperson on Human Settlements, February 7 2013

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