KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Picture: Supplied
Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has launched a forensic investigation into how five senior officials allegedly syphoned a million rand from the department.
The five, including the chief financial officer (CFO) and Supply Chain Management director, were placed on suspension on Friday, pending the completion of the investigation. Their names cannot be made public as yet.
Although the department has not released full details on the matter, the Daily News was reliably informed that the officials allegedly looted about a million in the run-up to the elections.
It is not clear whether the alleged looting was for their own benefit or if it was for political campaigns of their political party.
Department spokesperson Senzo Mzila confirmed the officials’ suspension and that an investigation has been initiated.
Cogta MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the officials are suspended due to allegations of financial misconduct that occurred in the run-up to the May 2024 elections.
Buthelezi said the suspensions send a strong message in restoring a culture of good governance and consequence management in the department.
The matter is expected to be discussed at length when Buthelezi meets the portfolio committee this week.
This is the first major decision by the KZN provincial government since it took over in May 2024.
In his state of the province address, KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli vowed to run a clean and corrupt-free government with the emphasis of ethics.
Ntuli vowed that corruption would not be tolerated under his stewardship.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi is expected to announce the cabinet’s decision on plans to ensure stability in Umdoni Local Municipality on the KZN south coast which has been besieged by service delivery issues.
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