Sizwe Africa IT (Sizwe) has firmly denied any involvement in a conflict of interest concerning a R537.4 million contract for 55,000 Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0-inch LTE tablets. The contract, meant for schools in the Eastern Cape, is under scrutiny following media reports linking senior education official Dr Naledi Mbude-Mehana and her husband, Reverend Vukile Mehana, to alleged irregularities.
Hawks Probe Alleged Irregularities
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, is reportedly investigating the Mehanas over payments related to what is being described as an unlawful contract. Initially valued at R160 million, the contract’s price surged to R537.4 million, raising concerns. The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has since deemed the contract invalid, citing a lack of adherence to proper procurement processes.
Media reports suggest the alleged conflict of interest predates the couple’s marriage. However, Sizwe distanced itself from the allegations, insisting that the reports are misleading. “The media has conflated unrelated contracts into a single story, unfairly harming our company’s reputation,” Sizwe stated.
Clarifying Contract Timelines
Sizwe emphasized that the contracts in question are old rental agreements dating back to 2014, well before Ayo Technology Solutions acquired a majority stake in 2018. “The 2020 contract under scrutiny has no connection to the older agreements settled in court. Reverend Mehana’s tenure as chairman ended before the Ayo acquisition, and the current management team has since changed,” Sizwe explained.
Internal Investigation Spearheaded by Sizwe
In an effort to ensure transparency, Sizwe launched its own internal investigation during the 2022/2023 financial year. The company reported the findings to law enforcement under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. “It was Sizwe that brought the irregularities to the attention of authorities. We welcome the Hawks’ investigation and remain committed to accountability,” the company said.
Mehana’s Limited Role in Sizwe
Sizwe clarified that Reverend Mehana, despite holding a 5% share in the company, has not been involved in its operations since resigning from the board. His resignation coincided with Sizwe’s reporting of the irregularities. “His involvement has been minimal, and the current investigation is focused on contracts unrelated to the current management structure,” Sizwe reiterated.
Conclusion
Sizwe Africa IT continues to distance itself from the controversy, maintaining that the alleged misconduct relates to outdated contracts and is not connected to its current operations. The company asserts that it remains committed to transparency and cooperation with authorities.
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