Staff Reporter
KuGompo — Southern Sun has made a U-turn after initially rejecting our request for access to details of expenses linked to Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena during his tenure as MEC for the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Mokoena, who was appointed by former Premier Mxolisi Dukwana in March 2023, stayed at Protea Hotel Willow Lake from 19 March to 9 April 2023 before relocating to a Southern Sun hotel from 1 May until 5 August 2023, when he eventually moved into his official residence.
According to Mokoena, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was renovating the residence and upgrading security measures during that period.
Five months to complete renovations and security upgrades?
In an effort to establish the full costs incurred by taxpayers, this publication requested an itemised breakdown of all expenses linked to Mokoena’s stay between 1 May and 5 August 2023.
Initially, Nikita Oliver from Southern Sun declined the request.
“Please be advised we are unable to assist you with the below breakdown,” Oliver said in response to the enquiry.
When pressed for reasons behind the refusal, and whether the institution required forms in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Joel Stols later responded, stating:
“Southern Sun is committed to cooperating with lawful investigations.”
The necessary forms will now be completed and submitted. The request includes details relating to guests who visited Mokoena, food and beverages billed to the account, and, where possible, footage of individuals entering and leaving the premises.
A similar request will also be submitted to Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake.
As previously committed, this publication will continue investigating Mokoena’s stay and will also seek to connect the dots regarding the failed transfer involving the Director of Legal Services.
We have sent inquiries to Auditor General of South Africa about two operational decisions Mokoena took. The nice thing with Mokoena is he puts everything on paper. We have the papers.
This is a developing story.
When you try to make an example out of others, only to become the very example yourself, it becomes a reminder of why education is important.
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