Calls for action after R380m ‘ghost’ tender flagged in Barberton forensic report

Political parties, advocacy groups and civic watchdogs are demanding decisive action after a classified forensic report into a R380 million tender linked to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Heritage Site recommended disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

What the forensic report found

The Citizen reports that the 103-page forensic investigation into the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) found tender manipulation, unlawful approvals and wasted millions during renovations at the world heritage site.

The manipulated procurements named in the report included work on the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains Geotrail, an integrated management plan, a visitor information centre and directional signage, according to the report seen by The Citizen.

Where the matter stands

The classified forensic report was handed to the provincial government and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) in May last year, the report said. The Citizen reports that the report recommended relevant stakeholders take action and report the matter to the police.

The Citizen understands no action has been taken against the officials implicated since the report was submitted.

Calls for accountability

The African People’s Convention (APC) leader Themba Godi and other political figures have criticised the lack of follow-up. The report records statements urging that the findings not be allowed to gather dust and that consequences must follow where wrongdoing is established.

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, is quoted in the report urging that recommendations for disciplinary or criminal action should not be ignored and calling for clarity on whether losses are being recovered and evidence has been referred to law enforcement.

Official response

The report notes that acting MTPA CEO Lemmy Mdluli and board chair Fish Mahlalela told the portfolio committee on economic development and tourism they have not yet taken disciplinary measures against officials who may be implicated.

The Mpumalanga provincial government and MTPA did not comment on the matter, the report says.

Next steps urged

Those calling for action want the recommendations implemented, disciplinary processes started where appropriate, recovery of public funds considered and possible criminal prosecutions pursued if evidence supports them.

According to The Citizen, the report has recommended relevant stakeholders take action and also report the matter to the police. According to The Citizen, no action has been taken against the involved officials since then.