NELSPRUIT – The Public Protector’s (PP) report into alleged maladministration in the awarding of tenders in Pilgrim’s Rest has been delayed.
The office of the PP, Adv Thuli Madonsela, apologised yesterday for not being able to release the report on the investigation into allegations of maladministration by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) in the awarding of tenders for shop leases in Pilgrim’s Rest.
The DPWRT served eviction notices in July last year. Tenants responded by turning to the court, assisted by AfriSake, the business section of civil rights group AfriForum. An interdict was obtained against the unilateral suspension of the lease agreements of business owners.
Last week, the PP’s office said that the report would be available on Tuesday. The finalisation of the report, titled Poisoned Processes, was delayed and could not be released as planned at the PP’s previous media briefing, where she released the report into an investigation into the former minister of communications, Ms Dina Pule.
“Unfortunately, there have been further delays in the quality assurance processes of the report. It will now be issued on Thursday,” said Mr Oupa Segalwe, manager of outreach, education and communication in the PP’s office.
