Concerns are mounting regarding the Gauteng provincial government as the Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to take swift action in response to serious allegations against Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
These claims involve a significant fraud case amounting to R27 million, which is reportedly tied to Pule Mabe, a senior member of the African National Congress (ANC).
The DA is urging for the immediate publication of Chiloane’s lifestyle audit to address the growing suspicions surrounding his financial dealings.
Serious Allegations Against Chiloane
According to a recent report by Mail and Guardian, Chiloane allegedly received R185,000 through ten separate payments linked to a fraudulent vehicle tender while he served as the coordinator for infrastructure and transformation in the City of Ekurhuleni.
This troubling connection to Mabe’s company, Enviro Mobi, came to light following the municipality’s acquisition of tuk tuks—specialized three-wheeled waste collection vehicles—back in 2017.
Notably, Ekurhuleni was among the municipalities that ordered 70 out of the 200 tuk tuks Mabe’s company was contracted to supply.
Calls for Accountability from the DA
Sergio Isa Dos Santos, the DA’s Shadow MEC for Education in Gauteng, emphasized the gravity of these allegations, asserting that a responsible Premier would not simply overlook them.
“In his typical carefree manner, Premier Lesufi has remained silent, hoping this issue, like many others, will disappear,” he stated.
Dos Santos expressed concerns that the Premier’s lack of action could indicate either serious negligence or an intentional effort to cover up corruption within his administration.
The DA is demanding that Premier Lesufi promptly release the lifestyle audit for MEC Chiloane and take steps to suspend him while the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigates the fraud allegations.
“It is unacceptable that Premier Lesufi is quick to investigate non-existent racism claims but slow to publicize lifestyle audits that are gathering dust in his office,” Dos Santos added.
Next Steps for the DA
In addition to their demands regarding Chiloane, the DA plans to reach out to Moipone Mhlongo, the chairperson of the Gauteng provincial legislature’s education portfolio committee.
They intend to request that MEC Chiloane appear before the committee to explain his alleged involvement in these troubling allegations.
Developments in the Fraud Case
Last Wednesday, Pule Mabe and six co-accused appeared at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court after turning themselves in to the police.
They face an array of serious charges, including fraud, theft, contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), money laundering, and facilitating benefits from unlawful activities.
Each of the accused was granted bail set at R30,000.
Chiloane is expected to appear in court alongside Mabe and the others.
He has firmly denied the allegations, claiming he has never received any money from Mabe throughout his life.
Mabe’s co-accused include several former high-ranking officials from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as two employees from KGP Media Holdings.
The Road Ahead
As the situation unfolds, the pressure is on Premier Lesufi to address these serious concerns and restore public trust in the Gauteng provincial government.
With the DA’s demands and the ongoing legal proceedings, it remains to be seen how this will impact Chiloane’s position and the broader political landscape in the province.
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