Public Works Supply Chain Director suspended over R27 million professional services claim

Questions are pilling as to why the Department of Public Works in Free State is silent about the alleged suspension of Khaya Radebe, Director Supply Chain Management.

Step Up SA News has it in good authority that Radebe has been home since June 2022 after he was served with notice in May 2022 and the suspension is related to a claim amounting to R27 million by VNA Consulting after the department was served with summons in relation to “payments for fees in respect of professional services rendered”.

According to insiders the department principals were shocked when they received summons from VNA Consulting and in their affidavit, they submitted a response from Radebe committing the department in 2021.

“In page 15 of VNA Consulting affidavit they have attached Radebe’s reply and he confirmed and I quote that (department is committed to honor its commitments to the VNA once the budget allocation for 21/22 financial year has been confirmed and finalized).”

Another source said the issue around services remains thorny and central to the suspension and litigation as approval is needed for such .

VNA Consulting could not be reached for their comment while Mlungisi Maqubela, the spokesperson for Free State Public Works did not respond to our questions sent two weeks ago.

This is a developing story.

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