R3.6 MILLION CONTRACT GIVEN TO WIFE OF TOP GAUTENG OFFICIAL

A R3.6 million road maintenance contract was awarded in December 2008 to Mrs Daisy Maile, the wife of Mike Maile, the recently departed CEO of the Gauteng Shared Services Centre (GSSC).

This is according to a written reply to my questions by Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Faith Mazibuko.

This is outrageous. It is a blatant conflict of interest as favouritism cannot be ruled out because of the role played by the GSSC in awarding tenders.

I doubt that Mrs Maile has any real expertise in road maintenance. According to Mazibuko, Mrs Maile was awarded a two year contract at R149 000 a month as part of a scheme for emerging contractors where material and expertise were provided by the department.

There has been much controversy about public servants getting money from state contracts with companies in which they or a relative have an interest.

This case shows why all state employees must declare their private interests and be barred from receiving any benefits through state contracts, either directly or through a close relative.

These cosy contract awards must stop. It is grossly unfair on other businesses that struggle to get state contracts.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng corruption spokesman, August 17 2009

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