Gauteng Provincial Government Faces Backlash Over R350 Million Accommodation Tender

The Gauteng Provincial Government has come under scrutiny following revelations that the former general manager of Dinokeng Tourism, Solani Mtetwa, was awarded an accommodation tender valued at R350 million.

Mtetwa, who led the government entity, had been contracted to provide accommodation and training facilities for Panyaza Lesufi’s traffic wardens.

Tender Award Acknowledged by Gauteng Government

The disclosure of this substantial tender award came to light in response to a written question posed in the provincial legislature to the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko.

The inquiry, presented by Adriana Randall, the DA’s Shadow MEC for Finance, aimed to ascertain the extent of the Gauteng Government’s dealings with Mtetwa.

Mazibuko, in her response, conceded that the provincial government indeed conducted business with Solan Accountants, a company associated with Mtetwa.

The payments made to this company amounted to a staggering R350 million within a span of four months.

Calls for Investigation by DA

The DA in Gauteng has expressed outrage at these revelations and is demanding a thorough forensic investigation into the tender process.

The opposition party highlighted that the provincial government had previously engaged in business with Mtetwa’s company.

Adriana Randall emphasized that there are concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and whether proper declarations were made during Mtetwa’s tenure at Dinokeng Tourism.

Randall emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the tendering process, particularly given the advantage that Mtetwa’s company seems to have enjoyed over other potential contenders.

With 6000 Traffic Wardens in training, the DA stressed the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) operating within the township economy to foster job creation and economic growth.

As the controversy surrounding this substantial accommodation tender unfolds, the Gauteng Provincial Government is under pressure to address these concerns and ensure accountability in its business dealings.

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