Sir – The most recent revelation involving KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu’s ‘cargate’ scandal has, interestingly enough, come in the form of a statement issued by his very own department, confirming it purchased a BMW X5 and Mercedes Benz E350 at a cost of almost R2.5-million, for the MEC’s exclusive use.
To begin with, this is supposed to be KZN’s most cash-strapped department. Furthermore, the statement also suggests that both cars are now little more than a pile of junk and not ‘usable’.
While the previous MEC is clearly complicit in the matter, the new MEC is not just car-less, now having to rely on a department-issued vehicle, he is also extremely careless.
Had it not been for the spotlight being placed on his vehicle hire costs – a staggering R500 000 in approximately five months – MEC Mshengu would no doubt still be trotting around the province without a worry in the world.
The question is – was the MEC really so blissfully unaware of this wasteful expenditure? If he was indeed aware, then this is even more worrying because he did nothing until exposed. And what of those implicated in all of these shenanigans – why have no heads rolled yet?
While it is not unexpected for a Grade 3 learner to go crying to a parent with a grazed knee, one does not expect an MEC to go and cry on the Premier’s lap, while asking him to make the problem go away.
The DA has already requested an investigation by the Premier. Whether he has the determination to delve into this remains to be seen. Then there is the request to the Public Protector for an independent probe, to which we have already received an acknowledgement of receipt.
The biggest question in all of this is whether the ANC-led KZN government has the pluck to root out corrupt activity.
The answer is not difficult to find.
Dr Imran Keeka, MPL: DA KZN Spokesperson on Education
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