DA says Makhura hasn’t been honest about ending Bosasa contracts

Gauteng Premier David Makhura may have indicated publicly that the ANC will be terminating all contracts with Bosasa-linked companies, but the DA claims he is yet to publicly take full responsibility for the ANC’s role in dealings with the controversial facilities management company, now known as African Global.

They also claim a number of contracts will be continuing for the foreseeable future.

The DA’s premier candidate, Solly Msimanga, accuses the premier of deliberately omitting the role the ANC played in securing deals for and with Bosasa, since the Gauteng provincial government itself spent in excess of R550.4 million on it and subsidiary companies companies linked to them.

“Gauteng finance MEC Barbara Creecy indicated that the relatively new department of e-Government spent R900,000 on one of these companies,” said Msimanga.

“The bulk of this money, R537 [million], was spent by the Gauteng department of social development, while the Gauteng department of education has spent R12 895 852,” read the statement.

The DA demanded more action from the premier since some of the contracts were still in force and set to continue until 2021, with neither Makhura nor Creecy indicating what impact terminating the contracts would have on service delivery.

“It is disingenuous of this administration to claim that it takes a tough stance on corruption when it has been aiding and abetting a known corrupt organisation for years.

“This is highlighted by the fact that, under Makhura, the money spent on Bosasa-linked companies has increased four-fold when compared to his predecessor, Nomvula Mokonyane. Under Makhura, money spent on Bosasa increased from R108 million to R537 million – more than 300%.”

Questions around what an anti-corruption advisory council, established by Makhura in 2017, had achieved, needed to be answered, according to the DA, who claim that not enough action has been taken against corrupt officials.

“The failing ANC-led administration in Gauteng has a notoriously poor track record on holding individuals to account and taking action. This administration lacks the political will to do what is right for the people of Gauteng.

“The DA will ensure that this matter does not fall off the agenda as was seen with scandals such as Life Esidimeni.”

The party reiterated that they wanted a commission of inquiry into state capture established in the province to identify and expose the network of patronage that has paralysed provincial government, to ensure those responsible are charged.

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