Macpherson cracks whip on official fingered in R113m Mpumalanga education tender scandal

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered disciplinary action against an official arrested in connection with a R113 million schools’ tender corruption.

The construction project manager appeared in court on Tuesday as part of a group of more than 30 people charged with fraud related to the emergency fixing of 21 Mpumalanga schools.

Macpherson said although his department had nothing to do with the tender, action will still be taken against the official following his arrest.

The minister said he’s committed to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and unethical misconduct within his department.

“Upon becoming aware of the official’s arrest and court appearance, I directed the Director-General to implement the precautionary suspension of the official and to initiate appropriate disciplinary action.

“Any official implicated in serious criminal allegations, particularly those involving public funds meant for critical infrastructure such as schools, ought not remain in their role while these processes are underway.”

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The 38 suspects who are charged with defrauding the Mpumalanga Department of Education include not only government officials, but also service providers who are alleged to have rendered substandard work.

Macpherson has pledged cooperation from his department in the prosecution of the department’s employee.

“Every rand lost to fraud is a rand taken away from classrooms, communities and service delivery. We are committed to strengthening governance, tightening oversight, and ensuring that public infrastructure budgets are used strictly for their intended purpose.”