Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – More questions are emerging about the role allegedly played by Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu “Bagaetsho” Mbalula, in the awarding of a R372 million road construction tender.
The questions follow allegations that Mbalula, the department’s Chief Financial Officer, Evodia Malebo, and Advocate Mojalefa Molotsi held a meeting and lobbied in favour of Raubex Construction during the tender process for the Reitz and Kestel road project.
According to information obtained by this publication, Raubex was ultimately awarded the R372 million contract.
Raubex was one of 53 companies that submitted bids. Other bidders included Black Top Civils, owned by Mr Dasheka, and Tau Pele Construction. This publication will return to the role of these companies in a follow-up report later this month.
Mbalula, Malebo and Molotsi were sent questions but had not responded by the time of publication.
As questions continue to mount, it is worth revisiting how Malebo and Molotsi came to occupy their current positions. Malebo transferred to the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport from the Department of Health, while Chris Eleftheriou moved in the opposite direction.
Malebo is now a person of interest from her role at Treasury, Health and now at CSR&T. We will also ask SAICA if she is a member and ask them to prove her ethics.
In Molotsi’s case, this publication became aware of his appointment approximately three weeks before the vacancy advertisement had even closed.
An advocate appointed into a role that required engineering qualification.
This publication will continue to investigate the matter, including the allegations that officials lobbied for Raubex during the procurement process and why.
What we want is Mbalula, Malebo and Molotsi to confirm or deny and pull Madlanga on him by publishing receipts.
In other developments, the Hawks are also investigating the FSPG’s bursary scheme. At least four persons of interest, including a retired official, have reportedly been identified.
Lere Free State e tla loka tjeeee?
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