Will Macufe be another scandal after PPE?

The 2022 edition of Mangaung African Cultural Festival is allegedly watched by hungry vultures which could turn it to be PPE scandal part 2.0.

Just like PPE, the departments were not allowed to procure individually instead the PEC, decided to centralize procurement and much to the shock of Dr. David Motau, former Health HOD.

In January 2022, the Special Tribunal Judge, Lebogang Modiba declared the procurement of 231 331 surgical gowns unlawful and set it aside. The state was ordered to recover R39.1m.

To date the Provincial Government is yet to pronounce what action have they taken against any official or company as recommended by Judge Modiba, its life goes on.

Have they learned anything?

We wonder as Macufe is also centralized and discussed at EXCO instead of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation which poses serious
questions of decision makers because the custodian of Arts and Culture is just the implementing agency.

Macufe, a brainchild of a businessman and former Arts and Culture employer, Webster Mfebe modified by former PACOFS CEO, Dr. Nathan Baggarette, and the only thing left that keeps Free State on the map is about to be looted if what sources are saying is anything to go by.

While the date has been released 2 – 9 October 2022, no other valuable information is shared with 3 months left.

In fact both the media statement and banners are as silent as the ANC on corruption.

Two independent service providers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization said it’s strange that the department is busy posting banners on social media while the advert has not been published.

Another source accused the department of tailor-making specifications to suit specific companies.

“We waited for the advert on Wednesday and knowing them, they are probably tweaking specifications to suit a certain company that has monopolized Macufe.

We are going to apply and keep our lawyers on standby.”

He concluded, “they are creating a mess so that they come with the capacity issue.

We are ready.”

Following accusations made by Babalo Madikizela, Zamani Saul, and Thabo Manyoni that money is used to buy delegates could this be a plan to loot the R25m raised thus far?

These are serious allegations that certain politicians are collecting money from service providers, and to a large extent accounting officers are allegedly buying delegates hence Macufe is important.

In the words of the late Desmond Tutu, “Watch out, watch out, WATCH OUT.”

We have not verified these claims and Free State SACR could not be reached for comment.

This is a developing story.

For news and tips please email us news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246