Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister of communications Marian Shinn has welcomed the decision by the auditor-general (AG) to probe the ZAR140 million (US$15 million) Free State website deal.
HumanIPO reported yesterday DA claims it had convinced the AG to investigate the controversial site deal.
The Free State’s website, billed the “most expensive in South Africa” by critics and revealed by the Sowetan newspaper at the beginning of the month, was reportedly built by businessman Tumi Ntsele, who also holds tenders with a number of other provincial departments.
The National Treasury and Free State provincial government have already launched their own investigations.
“Absolutely the AG should get stuck in to learn why such an outrageous quote was considered and agreed to,” Shinn said. “Either those authorising the payment were exceptionally naive or just plain crooked. It was indeed inevitable that the AG would investigate – they’re a bright team and are quick to spot extravagance and prices that are not market related.
“Why Free State thought it could ever get away with this beggars belief. The AG will get to the bottom of this, pinpont the culprits and, I am sure, recommend appropriate sanction.”
