KZN finance MEC open to probe tender fraud allegations

KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers says his office remains open and ready to work with all who want to end tender fraud and corruption in the province.

This comment comes amid multiple media queries received by his office regarding allegations of tender fraud and bias in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in KZN.

In a statement, Rodgers said it is worth reiterating that the provincial government recently launched a new digital procurement system which aims to combat fraud and corruption in supply chain management.

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He said the system is being piloted, with full implementation expected from January 2026 to April 2027.

“I have noted media reports to the effect that an association of NSNP service providers plans to report allegations of tender fraud to my office for investigation. I, however, have not received any formal representations on this matter at this stage,” said the MEC.

“It is my responsibility as KZN finance MEC to ensure fiscal discipline. Allegations of tender fraud deeply concern me. To this end, my office remains open to anyone with evidence so this matter may be probed further.”

In the meantime, the DA in KZN has formally written to the provincial Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) chairperson, Tim Brauteseth MPL, requesting an urgent investigation into the awarding of NSNP tenders to companies linked to the wives of a senior ANC figure in the province.

DA KZN Spokesperson on Education Sakhile Mngadi said it is deeply concerning that tenders meant to feed the most vulnerable children in schools are being captured by politically connected individuals, while reports of irregular supply, inflated pricing, and poor-quality food continue to plague the programme.

“This matter raises serious questions around conflict of interest, procurement manipulation and the ANC’s ongoing abuse of State-funded programmes for personal and political gain.

“The fact that these tenders were awarded under dubious circumstances, to companies directly tied to an ANC insider’s immediate family, demands immediate parliamentary scrutiny,” said Mngadi.

“The DA has also learnt of undue influence by a certain individual, who is alleged to have been present at the recent tender committee meetings at a hotel in Durban, where the awarding of NSNP tenders was discussed.

“The said individual is alleged to have strong-armed the bid adjudication panel into awarding tenders to companies linked to ANC officials,” said Mngadi.

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