The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga calls on the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, to cooperate fully with the Hawks on their on-going investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption within the department.
This follows reports that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Unit have begun collecting statements from at least six members of the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) regarding two questionable tenders under investigation in the department.
The DA has long called for accountability and transparency in government procurement processes, particularly in sectors as critical as agriculture, which directly impact food security and rural development. We urge the Hawks to leave no stone unturned in uncovering any wrongdoing and to ensure that those responsible for defrauding the public purse face the full might of the law.
Corruption robs the people of Mpumalanga of much-needed resources and opportunities, particularly in rural communities where agricultural development is essential for economic growth. The DA will closely monitor the investigation and continue to advocate for clean governance that prioritises service delivery over self-enrichment.
The DA welcomes this investigation, and we call on MEC Hlophe to take immediate action against any officials implicated in wrongdoing. The people of Mpumalanga deserve a government that is accountable, transparent, and committed to ethical leadership.